- $28 million investment from Rio Tinto to help deliver Toad Containment Zone
- The project is a partnership between Curtin University and Rio Tinto, with support from Deakin University
- Builds on Cook Labor Government’s earlier support of the project, which aims to protect vulnerable native wildlife
A project aiming to help prevent the spread of cane toads to the Pilbara has received a boost, with Rio Tinto partnering with Curtin University, with support from Deakin University, to deliver the Toad Containment Zone “waterless barrier” project.
The project aims to develop and modify water infrastructure in the Kimberley to create a 150-kilometre area of reduced artificial water points that may be available to toads that may restrict opportunities for cane toads to move south towards the Pilbara.
In 2024, the Cook Labor Government supported the first stage of this research project, providing $340,000 in funding through the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) to Rangelands Natural Resource Management for initial exploratory work with local land managers.
DWER convened a workshop in 2025, bringing together industry, government and leading experts to discuss opportunities for cane toad mitigation, with the Toad Containment Zone part of the considerations.
Research suggests cane toads may need water every few days to survive the dry season, and they often rely on artificial water points used for cattle and irrigation to survive.
Since being introduced to Australia in 1935, they have rapidly spread throughout much of northern and eastern Australia, out-competing native species for food and habitat and posing a threat to wildlife that prey on them due to the toxins in their skin.
DWER continues to work with Rio Tinto on how this project can work as a template for future privately funded biodiversity projects, including the possibility of environmental offsets.
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
“Cane toads are an invasive species that can have a disastrous impact on native species and their ecosystems.
“The Cook Labor Government welcomes any actions that may slow or prevent the further spread of cane toads through Western Australia.
“We welcome Rio Tinto’s investment in research and initiatives aimed at reducing the impacts of cane toads and will continue to support efforts to identify effective ways to protect native wildlife and biodiversity in northern Western Australia, including exploring opportunities for appropriate environmental offsets to support cane toad mitigation efforts.”
