Free online pest training

UPPER Hunter landholders who wish to acquire and use 1080, Pindone, RHDV, or PAPP baits this Autumn must get accredited by completing a Vertebrate Pesticide Induction Training (VPIT) course.

The free course, which used to be delivered face to face is now available online through the Local Land Services (LLS) website and takes landholders through the legal responsibilities, safety requirements and practical considerations for the effective use of baits and pesticides on feral pests.

LLS Invasive Species Business Partner Jake Tanner said newly developed online course makes training more accessible and allows landholders to save valuable time.

“As with all our baiting programs, we want as many landholders as possible to participate so they can be as effective as possible,” Mr. Tanner said.

“The course takes roughly two hours to complete and once finished, a certificate valid for five years will be emailed to participants straight away,” he said.

Mr. Tanner urged farmers to check the expiry date of their VPIT certifications, as certificates extended by the NSW Environment Protection Authority last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic will expire next Wednesday, April 21.

“Please check your certificates, and make sure it is accessible, as you will be required to show it to LLS staff when collecting baits,” Mr. Tanner said.

“If you do need to re-complete your training at short notice, fortunately the online VPIT course can be accessed at any time,” he said.

For more advice and information, or to access the free Vertebrate Pesticide Induction Training, visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au/VPIT.

Those looking to take part in feral pest control programs can contact their closest LLS office.