It’s on! Join our cane toad bust

Published on 07 January 2025

Byron Shire Council has cane toads in its sights and there’s an open invitation to all to roll up the sleeves and join the cane toad bust.

The Byron Shire Cane Toad Challenge is on from 18 January to 21 January 2025.

Claudia Caliari, Council’s Biodiversity Projects Officer, is hoping people of all ages get involved.

“Prior to the start of the Cane Toad Challenge we are running a hands-on community information session on 16 January to teach people know how to identify cane toads, how to catch them and how to dispose of them humanely,” Ms Caliari said.

“The information session will be held at Waterlily Park at Ocean Shores from 5:30pm to 8:30pm and will be informal and family-friendly and people will be able to see how a cane toad tadpole trap works.

“We are partnering with environmental organisation, Watergum, which runs cane toad education and toad busting challenges in Queensland and northern NSW,” she said.

“All people have to do is register for the toad bust challenge on our website and then enter the number of toads they collect from 18 to 21 January,” Ms Caliari said.

“Importantly, Watergum and Council will have drop-off points where people can take their live toads so they can be humanely euthanised.

Council’s cane toad bust is being held as part of a national event which aims to get rid of more than 50,000 cane toads.

“You only have to step outside in the evening to see what a terrible problem cane toads are in our beautiful shire and this cane toad challenge is a great way for people to make a small difference and do something positive for the environment,” Ms Caliari said.

Information about the cane toad education event and how to get involved in the toad bust challenge is on Council’s website.

For enquiries call the Media and Comms team on 02 6626 7320.