A colony of frogs has been deliberately poisoned and destroyed on vacant land in Kilmore after recently being sold to a developer, resident Bill Lodwick believes.
Located on the corner of Rutledge and Hamilton Street, the site of the former Kilmore Railway Station Goods Yard, a dry, dead patch of grass has appeared where the 20-plus-year-old frog colony once called home, and their nightly chorus of croaking and calls can be heard no longer.
According to Mr Lodwick, at least three species of frogs, including the common marsh frog, had been spotted in the once vibrant green patch, but since the suspected poisoning, only a few now remain.
“It appears that the frog colony has been poisoned,” he said.
“A variety of wading birds are now missing from the area [too]. These frogs provided a nightly chorus of croaking which was as fun to hear as it was loud. Now, there is just silence—the sound of death.”
Mr Lodwick noted that in July, prior to the suspected poisoning, he had spoken to a team of archaeologists who were surveying the site and had pointed out that the frog colony was located 10 metres from one of the survey trenches.
He believes this may have been recorded in a report of the site and urged Mitchell Shire Council and other responsible governing bodies to save the remaining frogs.
An investigation is now underway, and a Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA) Conservation Regulator spokesperson urged anyone with more information to contact Crime Stoppers.
“The Conservation Regulator has received reports alleging frogs have been poisoned on private land in the Kilmore area. Authorised officers are making enquiries,” they said.
“If any member of the public has more information about this incident, we urge them to report it to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.”
In Victoria, frogs, like all wildlife, are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, making it illegal to harm, disturb, destroy, or poison wildlife.
The maximum penalties for violating this law range from $9879 to $19,759 and/or six months in prison.
It is the responsibility of landowners to protect any wildlife on their property, and ensure they comply with their legal obligations when undertaking property works.
Mitchell Shire Acting Chief Executive Mary Agostino stated that council were assisting relevant authorities with their inquiries.
“Mitchell Shire Council shares the community’s appreciation of local native flora and fauna, including frogs,” she said.
“Council officers have forwarded the allegation of frogs being poisoned … onto the Victorian Government’s State Wildlife Advisory Services for further investigation.
“Council takes allegations of harm to native wildlife seriously, and will work with the State Wildlife Advisory Service in relation to this matter.”
