Cane toads take centre stage

Cane toads were the invader of choice in April's special Cairns screening of ABC’s Eat the Invaders, hosted in partnership with the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA), the Tropical North Queensland Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (TNQ Drought Hub), and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Around 80 people attended the event at the waterfront iconic Salt House at the Cairns Pier.

The episode was followed by a lively panel discussion moderated by Adam Stephen, host of ABC Queensland Northern Drive. The expert panel explored how invasive species—particularly cane toads—can present not only ecological challenges but surprising opportunities for culinary innovation, cultural insight, and sustainable management.

The diverse panel included: • Barry Hunter, CEO, NAILSMA • Samantha Martin, author of Bush Tukka Guide and founder of Tribal Voice Connections • Dr Allan Dale, Professor of Tropical Regional Development, The Cairns Institute, James Cook University • Dr Alexander Watson, Northeast Regional Ecologist, Australian Wildlife Conservancy • Gerry Turpin, Senior Ethnobotanist, Tropical Indigenous Ethnobotany Centre, Australian Tropical Herbarium • Dr Angie Reid, Senior Project Coordinator, NAILSMA

These experts discussed how cane toads and other pests are changing Australia’s natural landscapes—and how science, Indigenous knowledge, and innovation can offer new ways of thinking about biosecurity and biodiversity. They also responded to thoughtful questions from the audience, creating a dynamic and inclusive conversation on managing invasive species. Dr Allan Dale, also a TNQ Drought Hub partner, said, “It was such a great atmosphere, and I really enjoyed the informal setting and broad Cairns audience. The event was a great opportunity to explore landscape-scale biosecurity, biodiversity, culture, and resilience through the lens of invasive species management.” The event offered a refreshing and engaging look at complex environmental issues, blending science, culture, and community in a truly local experience. The whole series is enlightening on the various invasive species we now have in Australia. Eat The Invaders can be viewed on ABC iview. 

Image: (l-r) Gerry Turpin, Samantha Martin, Angie Reid, Adam Stephen, Alexander Watson, Allan Dale, Gavin Singleton and Barry Hunter at the Salt House in Cairns 2nd April 2025.

Issued April 2025