Federal funding is set to support Traditional Owners eradicate rodents on an island in the western Torres Strait as part of preparations for a potential H5 avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak.
More than $1.5 million will support Traditional Owners represented by the Maluilgal Registered Native Title Body Corporate (RNTBC) to lead a targeted eradication of black rats using drones to deploy baits across Warul Kawa (Deliverance Island) in far north Queensland.
Warul Kawa sits south of Papua New Guinea within the Ugul Malu Kawal Indigenous Protected Area, and is a key resting point for many migratory birds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, including the Pacific golden plover and iconic little tern.
The island, which a vital ecological and cultural site for Traditional Owners and Torres Strait Islander communities, has experienced invasive black rats preying on nesting birds and their eggs, while also compete for food.
Torres Strait Regional Authority chairperson George Nona said the funding acknowledged the environmental, cultural and geographic importance of the remote region.
"Positioned on Australia's frontline, the Torres Strait is a diverse and unique region home to some of the nation's richest environmental and cultural treasures," Mr Nona said.
"As a long-standing project partner and advocate, TSRA welcomes the broader recognition of this local-led project deeply rooted in the cultural governance and leadership of the Maluilgal RNTBC Traditional Owners."
Warul Kawa is a key resting point for many migratory birds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, including the Pacific golden plover and iconic little tern.
Member for Leichhardt, Matt Smith, said the funding will increase protection for the migratory birds that rely on Warul Kawa.
"Eradicating rats on Warul Kawa will help protect migratory birds from H5 bird flu as they travel between Asia and Australia, ensuring that more survive the trip while reducing the risk of the disease spreading," the federal MP said.
"Without rats on the island, local seabirds may return and once again use Warul Kawa as a breeding site."
This funding is part of the federal government's broader $100 million investment to prepare for H5 bird flu.
It includes $35.9 million for environment measures, with $300,000 already supporting transboundary conservation efforts for the far eastern curlew and Christmas Island frigatebird along the East Asian - Australasian Flyway.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, said this investment in the Torres Strait will help Traditional Owners strengthen the island's resilience against H5 bird flu.
"Australia is the only continent currently free of H5 bird flu, and we're taking steps to bolster native bird populations, so they are more resilient if it arrives," Minister Watt said.
"Healthy habitats and strong populations give native species the best chance of withstanding the potential impacts of H5 bird flu. These projects will also have long lasting conservation benefits."
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, said these comprehensive measures are vital to protecting Australia's biodiversity.
"We're taking the threat of H5 bird flu seriously, with our ongoing efforts demonstrating the strong biosecurity capability Australia is known for," she said.
"Strengthening our preparedness to H5 bird flu is critical - not just for our valuable agricultural industries, but for our unique natural environment and the broader community."
The government said strengthening protections across the flyway will help improve the species' resilience to H5 bird flu by reducing the pressure of other threats at home and abroad.
