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8 March 2026
Invasive rats will be targeted by specialised bait drones in the western Torres Strait to combat a potential outbreak of devastating bird flu.
The Federal Government has revealed it will fork out more than $1.5 million to the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) to help make sure H5 avian influenza, known as bird flu, does not breach Australian biosecurity measures.
The black rats prey on nesting birds and their eggs, as well as compete for food on the island.
The Commonwealth funding will support traditional owners (represented by the Maluilgal Registered Native Title Body Corporate) to lead the targeted eradication of rats using drones to deploy baits across Warul Kawa (Deliverance Island) in Far North Queensland, according to a statement.
Warul Kawa is located south of Papua New Guinea, within the Ugul Malu Kawal Indigenous Protected Area.
The island is a key ecological and cultural site for traditional owners and Torres Strait Islander communities. It is also is a key resting point for many migratory birds, including the Pacific golden plover and iconic little tern.
Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt said the investment in the Torres Strait would help residents strengthen the island’s resilience against the virus.
“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,” he said.
Invasive rats will be targeted by specialised bait drones in the western Torres Strait to combat a potential outbreak of devastating bird flu.
The Federal Government has revealed it will fork out more than $1.5 million to the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) to help make sure H5 avian influenza, known as bird flu, does not breach Australian biosecurity measures.
The black rats prey on nesting birds and their eggs, as well as compete for food on the island.
The Commonwealth funding will support traditional owners (represented by the Maluilgal Registered Native Title Body Corporate) to lead the targeted eradication of rats using drones to deploy baits across Warul Kawa (Deliverance Island) in Far North Queensland, according to a statement.
Warul Kawa is located south of Papua New Guinea, within the Ugul Malu Kawal Indigenous Protected Area.
The island is a key ecological and cultural site for traditional owners and Torres Strait Islander communities. It is also is a key resting point for many migratory birds, including the Pacific golden plover and iconic little tern.
Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt said the investment in the Torres Strait would help residents strengthen the island’s resilience against the virus.
“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,” he said.
