Pets, feral animals and weeds
Pets, feral animals and weeds
A Googonian cat is an indoor cat
We encourage all Googonian cat owners to keep their pets inside at all times.
In 2021 Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council introduced a Cat Containment Policy at Googong. For details of the policy click here.
Cats are prohibited on public land which is zoned for 'environmental conservation'. This includes the parkland adjacent to the Googong Foreshores, as well as the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard Conservation Area. Cats found in these are likely to be controlled by rangers (shot, captured, or poisoned through fox baiting). Additionally, cats roaming onto neighbouring private properties face danger of being controlled by the land owners (especially via shooting and baiting intended for foxes).
Cats are known to have a disastrous impact upon native fauna. Given the proximity of Googong to the Googong Foreshores, a refuge for native wildlife, roaming cats are likely to kill native fauna, particularly birds, within both Googong and the Foreshores.
Cat runs are an excellent way to keep your cat healthy and happy, and the area’s wildlife safe from harm.
Indian Mynas (Acridotheres tristis)
Although Indian Mynas have not yet been recorded in Googong, as for other new developments, the urbanisation associated with the development of the township is likely to result in the introduction of the Indian Myna (Acridotheres tristis) to the area.
This species is very territorial and is known to be highly disruptive to native birds, particularly those that nest and/or roost in tree hollows. These impacts are usually particularly pronounced within close proximity to urban development. Further information, including how to discourage Indian Myas from your yard can be found here.
Exotic Fish, Aquatic Invertebrates and Aquatic Plants
Although there have been some reported captures and unconfirmed sightings, European Carp (Cyprinus carpio) have not yet established in the Googong Dam. However, Eastern Gambusia (Gambusia holbrooki), also known as Mosquito Fish, and Redfin Perch (Perca fluviatilis) occur in the Googong Dam and the reaches of Queanbeyan River upstream and downstream of the reservoir.
The introduction of European Carp or other exotic fish species to Googong Dam has the potential to significantly impact on the water supply and the aquatic ecology of the reservoir by:
- threatening the survival of native fish, amphibians and invertebrate species through competing for food and habitat, direct predation and the spread of disease; and
- causuing increased turbidity by eating aquatic vegetation and disturbing he bed of the dam and Queanbeyan River.
To prevent the introduction of exotic fish, invertebrates or plants to the reservoir, Googonians must not release unwanted aquarium or pond plants, animals or water into any waterway. It is particularly important that no dumping occurs within the Googong Dam or any of the many small dams or creeks that flow to the dam. Severe penalties apply for anyone caught dumping within waterways in Googong or Googong Foreshores. If you observe any suspicious activity it can be reported to the Googong Rangers on 02 6207 2779.
Googong Landcare
We have established a Googong Landcare group and host planting days and cultural tours at Googong as part of this initiative. If you would like to consider joining our landcare group, email our Community Manager at community@googong.net