Upcoming fox control activities in Boyne Island and Tannum Sands
Published on 15 June 2026
The successful Coastal Fox Control Program is returning this week with Council supporting Fitzroy Basin Association with supplementary coastal fox control activities in Boyne Island and Tannum Sands from Wednesday 17 June to Sunday 21 June.
Trapping activities will be undertaken within bushland reserves in Lilley’s Beach, Canoe Point and Wild Cattle Creek inlet.
The following areas will be closed during this period and will be clearly identified by warning signs placed at all entrances:
- Lilley's Beach will be closed – campers must vacate the area by 10am, Wednesday 17 June
- Canoe Point Beach will remain open – trapping will occur in adjacent bushland areas
- The walking/cycling track south of the Wild Cattle Creek inlet boat ramp will be closed.
Areas involved in the program will be clearly signed with warning signs placed at all entrances, with some tracks and reserves closed during the control activity.
The program will engage a fox control specialist to conduct soft-jaw foothold trapping and thermal shooting to reduce the local fox population in a humane and safe manner.
Nearby residents or visitors may occasionally hear a firearm being safely discharged as part of program activities.
People and pets should not enter closed areas and pets must be contained at all times to prevent any impact from trapping activities. If your pet becomes trapped, please call Council on (07) 4970 0700.
IMAGE: The program targets the European red fox.
Gladstone Region Councillor Chris Cameron said the purpose of the program is to mitigate risks to marine turtles and other native wildlife who call our coastal areas home.
“We’ve seen some encouraging results since the Coastal Fox Control Program commenced in 2021, with nest predation rates reduced by approximately 70 per cent on our Curtis Coast beaches,” Cr Cameron said.
“In the Boyne Island and Tannum Sands area we’ve seen a decrease in nest predation from 13 to only three nests in the past season, which shows the program is working.
“Residents can also get involved by reporting any evidence of fox activity or sightings in coastal areas via Council’s website.”