AT the general meeting held on 28 September 2016, council adopted the Invasive Pests Strategic Plan 2016- 2020 and the Invasive Pest Action Plan 2016-2020, which guide the management of invasive pest weeds and animals in the region.
The plan, prepared by council’s Environmental Services Pest Management officers, fulfils the requirements under the Biosecurity Act 2014 which commenced on 1 July 2016, for all local governments in Queensland to have a Biosecurity Plan, formerly known as a pest management plan.
Community input to the plan was received via the Pest Management Advisory Committee which reviewed the documents and recommended that they be adopted by council.
Under the new Act, landholders are still responsible for controlling pests on their lands, including council, government departments and other agencies.
The plan includes a new initiative which sets the minimum expected standards for all invasive pests. For example, all landholders in prescribed areas are expected to participate in wild dog co-ordinated baiting programs, unless they can demonstrate genuine reasons preventing them from participating.
Similarly, all landholders are expected to control all African boxthorn on their land, unless a staged control strategy has been outlined by council in a Biosecurity Order, formerly a pest control notice.
The Invasive Pests Action Plan documents where council will be undertaking invasive pest control on its own lands and where council will conduct inspections of private property to ensure invasive pests are being adequately controlled.
Compliance action may be taken if this is not the case, including council undertaking control work at the landholder’s expense.
“Council recognises that most landholders are controlling pests,” said Cr Yve Stocks, Shadow Portfolio manager for Rural, Environmental, Sustainability and Waste Management.
“However, those not undertaking control are contributing to the spread of these pests to neighbouring lands.
“These pests are declared because of the impacts they have on the economy, environment and amenity of the Southern Downs Region.
“Council is committed to having all declared pests on all lands being adequately controlled.”
If you have declared pests and require assistance, contact council on 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372) and speak with a Pest Management officer, who can provide advice on the most effective and economical long-term control method.
