The toad front line approaches

Cane toads introduced to Queensland in nineteen thirty-five have spread north. The current front line is around one hundred kilometres from Broome, two thousand two hundred kilometres north of Perth.

A twenty eight million dollar barrier plan

Scientists, traditional owners, pastoralists and Rio Tinto are building a seven thousand five hundred square kilometre waterless barrier south of Broome to stop toads reaching the Pilbara.

How the barrier will work

The plan modifies water points across six pastoral stations, cutting off artificial watering holes such as dams and storage tanks to remove the toads' water supply.

The stakes for the Pilbara

Cane toads have already killed millions of native animals including snakes, goannas and crocodiles. The Pilbara contains plants and animals found nowhere else on the planet.

“Cane toads will thrive in the Pilbara.”

Why removing water works

Curtin University ecologist Judy Dunlop said toad-proofing water points had proven successful elsewhere. By removing the critical thing they need, which is water, spread is prevented.

“By removing the critical thing they need, which is water, we prevent them from continuing their spread.”

Local support and consultation

Karajarri Traditional Lands Association and pastoralists including Anna Plains Station owner David Stoate are on board. The state government allocated about three hundred forty thousand dollars for community consultation in twenty twenty-four.

Work begins in twenty twenty-seven

Rio Tinto and the Rhodes Ridge joint venture are providing an additional twenty eight million dollars funding. The build will take two to five years, with work starting in twenty twenty-seven.