Noosa Local Government Area Pest Management Plan 2015-2019
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Noosa Local Government Area Pest Management Plan 2015-2019
© Noosa Council 2015 www.noosa.qld.gov.au General Enquiries: 8.15 am - 5.00 pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) By telephone: (07) 5329 6500 (including After Hours emergencies) By email: mail@noosa.qld.gov.au Fax: (07) 5329 6501 Street Address: 9 Pelican Street, TEWANTIN Postal address: PO Box 141, TEWANTIN QLD 4565 Acknowledgements Council wishes to thank all interested stakeholders who have taken the time and energy to help guide the development of this strategy. Disclaimer This document has been developed by Noosa Council’s Department of Planning & Infrastructure. Information contained in this document is based on available information at the time of writing. All figures and diagrams are indicative only and should be referred to as such. This is a strategic document which deals with technical matters in a summary way only. Council or its officers accept no responsibility for any loss oc- casioned to any person acting or refraining from acting in reliance upon any material contained in this docu- ment
Table of contents
1. Executive Summary 4
2. Introduction 5
3. Pest impacts in Noosa 8
4. Challenges to effective pest management 11
5. Policy context 12
6. Declared Pests 15
7. Pest Management Planning 16
8. The pest management planning process 19
9. Implementation of the plan 20
10. Environmentally Significant Areas 23
11. Noosa Local Government Area Strategic 25
Action Plan 2015-2019
12. Noosa’s Priority Pest Species 29
13. Queensland Pest Species List 31
14. Glossary 36
15. Acronyms 37
16. Reference List 38
1. Executive summary
Noosa Council recognises weeds and pest under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route
animals as one of the most significant threats to Management) Act 2002. The Plan and Strategic
biodiversity in the Shire. They degrade natural Action Plan will be reviewed annually with a full
ecosystems and agricultural landscapes, threaten review being undertaken prior to its expiry.
biodiversity and interfere with human health and
recreation. The Biosecurity Act 2014 was enacted by
Queensland Parliament in March 2014 and will
Combating the threat posed by weeds and pest come into effect in 2016. Under the new act, local
animals will require a clear commitment and governments are required to have a biosecurity
combined effort from industry, the community, plan for invasive biosecurity matter. Under the act
state government and Council. To guide this a Local Government Pest Management Plan may
effort, and in accordance with the requirements be regarded as a Biosecurity Plan and therefore
of the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route the Noosa Council Pest Management Plan will
Management) Act 2002, a Noosa Local be Noosa’s Biosecurity Plan until it is updated in
Government Area Pest Management Plan (the 2019.
Plan) has been prepared.
However, this plan is not simply a statement
of Noosa Council’s pest management
responsibilities. It is a plan of attack that
acknowledges the roles of a wide range of
organisations, groups and individuals that all have
a stake in the fight against the invasion of Noosa
Shire by weeds and pest animals.
The plan establishes local priorities, strategies
and actions to address the impacts of weeds
and pest animals, identifies stakeholders and
recognises their roles and responsibilities. It
also incorporates mechanisms for monitoring,
evaluating and reporting on the Plan’s
effectiveness.
Blue morning glory (Ipomoea indica).
The Plan applies to all land within the boundaries
of the Noosa Shire and targets pest species that
are declared pests under the Land Protection
(Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002
as well as certain non-declared species that
have been determined to be locally significant
pests. The Plan identifies a set of objectives and
strategic actions, which are directed towards
achieving the desired outcomes set by the
Queensland weed and pest animal management
strategies. The Strategic Action Plan identifies
who is responsible for delivering actions, sets
timeframes and identifies measures of success
against which the Plan will be evaluated.
The Plan has a four year timeframe as prescribed
Page 4
2. Introduction
2.1 Background 2.2. Purpose of the Pest Management
Plan
Weeds and pest animals degrade natural
ecosystems and agricultural landscapes, threaten The purpose of the Plan is to establish a
biodiversity and interfere with human health and foundation for the cooperative management of
recreation. Once pests become established, weeds and pest animals in Noosa Shire.
significant resources are required to control them
and rehabilitate impacted ecosystems. It establishes local priorities and sets strategies
and actions that address the environmental,
Noosa Council recognises weeds and pest economic and social impacts of weeds and pest
animals as one of the most significant threats to animals. It identifies stakeholders and defines
biodiversity in the Shire. Combating this threat will their roles and responsibilities for managing
require a clear commitment and combined effort weeds and pest animals, and will assist in
from industry, the community, state government developing and maintaining partnerships between
and Council. those stakeholders.
The Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route The Plan provides a means of ensuring that
Management) Act 2002 (the Land Protection resources are targeted at the highest priority
Act) charges all Queensland councils with activities and those that are most likely to
the development of a pest management plan succeed. It also incorporates mechanisms for
for managing declared pests within their local monitoring, evaluating and reporting on the
government area. The Noosa Local Government effectiveness of the pest management actions
Area Pest Management Plan (the Plan) has been identified.
prepared to fulfil this requirement.
2.3. Commencement and duration
However, this plan is not simply a statement
of the Noosa Council’s pest management The Sunshine Coast Local Government Area
responsibilities. It is a community plan developed Pest Management Plan commenced in 2012
through consultation with key stakeholders, after its endorsement by the Minister for Primary
residents and visitors to Noosa. Industries and Fisheries, and the final Plan
adopted by Council on behalf of the Sunshine
Coast community. After the de-amalgamation of
Noosa Council from the Sunshine Coast Council,
the Noosa component of the plan was excised
and developed into the Noosa Council Local
Government Area Pest Management Plan 2015-
2019.
In accordance with section 31 of the Land
Protection Act, the Plan is a four year plan and
will remain in force until four years from the
commencement date, unless it is reviewed and
renewed at an earlier date.
Broad leaf privot (Ligustrum lucidum) 2.4. Scope
The Plan applies to all land and waterways within
the boundaries of the Noosa local government
area, including land owned or controlled by the
State, Council and individuals.
Page 5
For the purpose of the Plan, ‘pests’ include plants to prevent, respond to, and recover from pests
and animals that are exotic species or native and diseases that threaten the economy and
species found outside their natural range where environment. Noosa Council supports Biosecurity
these species cause (or have the potential to Queensland in managing these types of pests
cause) environmental, agricultural and/ or social and pathogens across the region. For example
impacts. Targeted pest species include declared in 2011 Biosecurity Queensland and Council
pests under the Land Protection Act and certain responded to dealing with myrtle rust (Uredo
non-declared species that have been determined, rangelii), a serious fungal diseases that infects
through consultation, to be locally significant certain native plants such as bottle brush, tea
pests. Noosa’s highest priority pests are listed in trees and callistemons.
Section 12.
The Plan does not consider endemic native
species protected under the Nature Conservation
Act 1992 that can be a problem species to some
people. Examples include flying foxes, magpies,
plovers, brush turkeys, ibis and snakes.
The Plan does not consider domestic or public
health pests such as vermin, mosquitoes,
biting midges, and cockroaches. Nor does the
Plan consider pathogens of humans, domestic
animals, livestock or plants. Although these pests
and pathogens are outside the scope of this plan,
it should be noted that Biosecurity Queensland
coordinates the Queensland Government efforts
Queensland umbrella tree (Schefflera actinopylla)
Page 6
Noosa Shire map
Page 7
3. Pest impacts in Noosa
Pests of our waterways maintenance program including the use of
bulk aquatic weed harvesters at considerable
Aquarium and pond weeds have been introduced cost to asset managers. In many instances,
into waterways in a number of ways (including once infestation occurs eradication is almost
from human activities). For example aquatic impossible.
weeds can be introduced to a new water body
via vessels, trailers and fishing equipment. Aquatic pest animals, such as the red-eared
Introduced weeds continue to spread as a result slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans), can
of flooding, movement of water fowl and water aggressively out-compete native species for food,
based activities. basking and nesting sites. They prey on native
species such as aquatic reptiles, frogs, fish,
Of particular concern in Noosa waterways are crustaceans and insects and have the potential
salvinia (Salvinia spp.), cabomba (Cabomba to carry diseases and parasites that can infect
caroliniana), dense waterweed (Egeria densa), native fauna.
yellow waterlily (Nymphaea mexicana) and
hygrophila (Hygrophila costata). These weeds Pests of our coastal ecosystems
grow aggressively and can dramatically alter
environmental and physicochemical conditions Noosa is celebrated for its stunning beaches
and interfere with ecological processes. This can and, as a result, coastal ecosystems are
have devastating effects on native flora and fauna under immense pressure from residential and
such as the Australian lungfish, platypus and tourist development. Native species have been
freshwater turtles. overlooked by landscapers in favour of low
maintenance ‘tropical’ gardens filled with exotic
palms. The encroachment of development into
coastal areas has meant that garden escapees
such as asparagus fern (Asparagus spp.),
glory lily (Gloriosa superba), Singapore daisy
(Sphagneticola trilobata), cocos palm (Syagrus
romanzoffiana) and coastal morning glory
(Ipomoea cairica) have become prevalent in many
coastal environments.
Salvinia (Salvinia molesta)
Aquatic weeds can detrimentally affect
recreational and aesthetic values of water
bodies. Heavy infestations make boating and
swimming difficult and can also be dangerous to
children and animals if the weeds look like solid
ground. In addition submerged aquatic weeds
such as cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana) can
cause swimmers to become entangled in the Singapore daisy (Sphagneticola trilobata)
stems of the weed. Management of infestations
in constructed water bodies requires a regular
Page 8
European foxes (Vulpes vulpes) prey upon small such as hydatid disease, making eradication
native animals and are a domestic nuisance as more difficult in rural and rural residential areas.
they scavenge in bins and backyard compost As development has encroached on rural areas
heaps and cause domestic dogs to bark. Foxes more situations arise where the dingo/wild dog
are a particular problem in coastal areas because population comes into contact and, therefore,
they dig up turtle nests to eat the eggs and they conflict with people. Wild dogs are a problem
are linked to the decline of endangered and throughout rural, rural residential and urban areas
vulnerable marine turtle populations throughout of Noosa.
Australia.
Several populations of red, rusa, and fallow
deer are currently established within the region.
Pests of our rural areas Deer pose a serious threat to the region, hence
their declared status under state legislation and
Many pest species that are of particular the subsequent requirement of land managers
concern in rural areas cause illness and injury to take reasonable steps to ensure numbers
to livestock and degrade pasture in addition to are managed accordingly. As well as providing
their impacts on natural ecosystems. Groundsel competition for both domestic livestock and
bush (Baccharis halimifolia) and giant rat’s tail natives species, deer present many other
grass (Sporobolus spp.) cause loss of production impacts, including traffic hazards to motorists;
and degradation of pasture by out-competing they are implicated in the spread of declared
desirable pasture species. As well as impacting plant species as well as exotic diseases such
as Foot and Mouth
disease; destroy property
infrastructure, such as
fences; and can quickly
degrade pristine areas
through intensive activity,
leading to erosion and
sediment transport and
damaged vegetation.
Pests of our
hinterland ranges
Vines such as blue
morning glory (Ipomoea
indica), thunbergia
(Thunbergia spp.),
cat’s claw creeper
(Macfadyena unguis-
cati) and madeira vine
Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora)
(Anredera cordifolia)
are ubiquitous weeds of
on productivity annual ragweed (Ambrosia hinterland areas. They smother native vegetation
artemisiifolia) can aggravate asthma and hay with dense blankets of growth that can kill
fever and fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) trees. Another problem vine, dutchman’s pipe
is poisonous to livestock. (Aristolochia elegans) is closely related to the
native Pararistolochia praevenosa, the larval
Wild dogs are a major concern to many food plant of the Richmond birdwing butterfly
landholders. Attacks by wild dogs on livestock, (Ornithoptera richmondii). Adult butterflies
wildlife and pets are not uncommon and these mistakenly lay their eggs on the exotic vine,
can be very traumatic for witnesses. There is also which is poisonous to the caterpillars. This has
growing concern that people, particularly children, had devastating effects on local populations of
are at risk of attack. Like some domestic dogs, Richmond birdwing butterflies.
wild dogs are known to carry zoonotic diseases
Page 9
Pests of our urban areas other alternatives are available that are equal to, or
more, effective.
The urban-bushland interface is an area of
Over time Noosa has grown and urban
intense pressure from environmental weeds
development encroached on rural areas, traditional
and residential gardens are the source of many
methods of baiting have become increasingly
of them. People dumping garden waste over
difficult to implement. More than ever, effective
the back fence or in environmental reserves
baiting programs can only be run with the
introduce substantial weed loads to bushland
cooperation and collaboration of the community.
reserves. Other garden plants such as mock
The baiting program that is now operating began
orange (Murraya paniculata), duranta (Duranta
in 2002 as a trial involving a single group of 6 land
spp.), Mickey Mouse bush (Ochna serrulata)
owners. The program has now grown to include 40
and Queensland umbrella tree (Schefflera
landholders across the Noosa Shire.
actinophylla) that are popular with gardeners for
the brightly coloured fruits they produce are also Baiting programs are targeted towards
popular with birds who eat the fruit and transport areas where there is most to gain in terms of
the seeds into bushland areas. environmental and economic outcomes. For
example baiting in known koala habitat areas
Our pets can also cause major impacts in urban helps safeguard local koala populations. At the
bushland parks. Domestic cats allowed to roam same time foxes and feral cats which also impact
are known to hunt and kill native fauna such as on fauna may be identified for baiting as well.
birds, lizards and frogs, while domestic dogs that A significant increase in wild dog activity can
are not properly restrained at night are recognised impact on stock, and may be a target for a baiting
as a key threat to koala populations. The highly program. The wild dog baiting program is delivered
modified urban environment has also provided through local area coordination groups consisting
suitable habitat for certain introduced species, of property owners and individuals working
such as the Common myna bird (Acridotheres together to reduce the impacts of wild dogs in
tristis), to proliferate. While not yet as prevalent their areas. These groups are also supported by
in Noosa as they are elsewhere in Australia, government land owners who manage land parcels
Common mynas are known for their aggressive within these areas.
competition for nesting hollows and can displace
hollow dependent native fauna. Strict rules govern the administration and operation
of the baiting programs and all aspects are well
Case Study documented. All residents within two kilometres
of any bait station must be advised in writing.
Community partnerships in delivering a Placement of baits must comply with stringent
criteria: no baits may be laid within five kilometres
wild dog control program
of a town (unless otherwise authorised to do so),
Wild dogs are a significant problem across rural, within 500 meters of a dwelling that is not part of
rural residential and urban areas of Noosa. They the program, within 20 metres of a water body or
are responsible for killing and maiming stock within 50 metres of the centre-line of a declared
and pets, preying on native wildlife, damaging road.
equipment, spreading disease and threatening On baiting day, Council prepares the baits with
people. Under the Land Protection Act 2002, 1080 and distributes the baits to landholder
landholders have an obligation to control declared groups. Boneless meat is used for baits and
pests on their land. Outside urban brigade areas, when they are set they must be buried and tied.
a landholder or authorised person may destroy a Participants must record the fate of all baits they
wild dog that is a threat to stock. Noosa rural and lay and, where possible, indicate what animal took
urban brigade area maps can be accessed on the bait. Any bait not taken after seven days is
Council’s website www.noosa.qld.gov.au through retrieved and destroyed.
the public interactive map system.
Cameras and sand traps are used to monitor the
There are a number of methods of wild dog effectiveness of baiting programs. For example
control. Examples include baiting with 1080 poison, in 2013/2014, one baiting program revealed
trapping, fencing and guardian animals. 1080 is that 23 baits were taken by foxes and 18 by wild
considered the most practical measure for keeping dogs. Baits were also taken by 2 feral pigs and
wild dog populations under control. It is likely to 2 goannas, but the baits did not have sufficient
continue as the preferred method of control until strength to affect these species.
Page 104. Challenges to effective
pest management
Pest and land managers face significant • Incomplete data about pest distributions and
challenges if efficient and effective control of population dynamics.
pests is to be achieved. • The variability of stakeholder’s priorities and
resources.
These challenges are as follows:
• Uncontrolled pest sources on neighbouring
• The high cost and effort required to control
properties.
established pests.
• Improving communication and coordination
• Providing adequate support and resources for
between landholders, community and local
community environment groups.
and state bodies and ensuring cooperative
• Implementing efficient and effective control programs across boundaries (both property
methods. and council boundaries).
• Public acceptance of pest control practices.
• Dedicating resources to preventing the
establishment of new pest species that are
difficult to detect.
Page 115. Policy context
The Noosa Local Government Area Pest Management Plan has been developed to align with and complement
relevant federal, state and local policies and strategies as listed in Table 1.
Resource Management Pest Management Pest Species
National Landcare Program Australian Weeds Strategy Strategies for Weeds of National
2013 Significance
Federal
Australia’s Biodiversity Australian Pest Animal Strategy Threat Abatement Plans
Conservation Strategy 2010-
2030 National Environmental Alert List
Queensland Biosecurity Strategy Queensland Wild Dog Manage-
2009-2014 ment Strategy 2011-2016
Queensland Weeds Strategy Pest management guidelines
State 2002-2006
Queensland Pest Animal Strate-
gy 2002-2006
State agency pest management
plans
Regional Vegetation Man- Pest Management Planning
agement Plans Guidelines
Regional /
Catchment
SEQ NRM Plan Mary River Aquatic Weeds
Strategy
Noosa planning scheme Sunshine Coast Local
Local Government Area Pest
Management Plan
Noosa Council Local Laws
Property Property management plans Property pest management plans
Table 1: Policy context for local government area pest
management plan development.
Page 12Federal policies and legislation • Predation by European Red Fox*
• Predation by exotic rats on Australian offshore
Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy islands of less than 1000km2 (100,000 ha)
2010-2030 recognises that invasive species • Predation by feral cats*
continue to be a major cause of pressure and that
climate change is already increasing the impact • Predation, habitat degradation, competition
of invasive species on biodiversity. The strategy and disease transmission by feral pigs*
identifies building ecosystem resilience as a • The biological effects, including lethal toxic
priority for change. ingestion, caused by cane toads (Bufo
marinus)*
The Australian Weeds Strategy and the Australian • The reduction in the biodiversity of Australian
Pest Animal Strategy native fauna and flora due to the red imported
identify national fire ant (Solenopsis invicta).
priorities for pest
management with *Key Threatening Processes for which a Threat
the aim of minimising Abatement Plan has been prepared
impacts on Australia’s
environmental, There are a number of recognised lists of
economic and social weeds of national interest. Weeds of National
Significance (WONS) have been identified
because of their invasiveness, impacts on primary
production and the environment, potential for
spread and socioeconomic impacts. Each WONS
has a strategic plan that outlines strategies and
actions required to control the weed and identifies
responsibilities for each action. The National
assets. They provide Environmental Alert List (the Alert List) for
national leadership for environmental weeds identifies 28 plant species
all Australians to work that are in the early stages of establishment and
together against the have the potential to become a significant threat
serious impact of weeds to biodiversity if they are not managed.
and pest animals.
Weeds of National Significance (WONS):
Under the Environment
• African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum)
Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 the
Australian Government can list Key Threatening • Alligator Weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides)
Processes and develop and implement Threat • Athel Pine (Tamarix aphylla)
Abatement and Recovery Plans. • Asperagus weeds (Asparagus aethiopicus**,
Asparagus africanus**, Asparagus
Key threatening processes involving asparagoides** Western cape form,
introduced and/or invasive species: Asparagus declinatus, Asparagus plumosus**,
• Competition and land degradation by rabbits* Asparagus scandens**)
• Competition and land degradation by • Bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia)
unmanaged goats* • Bitou Bush/Boneseed** (Chrysanthemoides
• Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus monilifera subsp. monilifera and rotundata)
(Phytophthora cinnamomi)* • Blackberry** (Rubus fruticosus aggregate)
• Invasion of northern Australia by gamba grass • Brooms (Cytissus scoparius, Genista
and other introduced grasses monspessulana, Genista linifolia)
• Loss and degradation of native plant and • Cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana)
animal habitat by invasion of escaped garden • Cat’s Claw Creeper (Macfadyena unguis-
plants, including aquatic plants cati**)
• Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem integrity • Chilean Needle Grass (Nassella neesiana)
following invasion by the yellow crazy ant • Fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis**)
(Anoplolepis gracilipes) on Christmas Island,
• Gamba Grass (Andropogon gayanus)
India Ocean
Page 13• Gorse** (Ulex europaeus) Management) Act 2002 establishes a legislative
• Hymenachne** (Hymenachne amplexicaulis) basis for the management of weeds, pest animals
and stock routes throughout Queensland. It
• Lantana** (Lantana camara)
establishes a set of principles to guide pest
• Madeira Vine (Anredera cordifolia**) management, provides a framework for pest
• Mesquite (Prosopis spp.) management planning and prescribes certain
• Mimosa (Mimosa pigra) species as being declared pests.
• Opuntioid cacti (Opuntia aurantiaca**, Opuntia
The Act charges councils with the development
stricta**, Opuntia tomentose**, Cylindropuntia
of a pest management plan for their local
fulgida var. mamillata, Cylindropuntia
government area, the purpose of which is to bring
imbricate, Cylindropuntia rosea)
together all sectors of the community to provide
• Parkinsonia (Parkinsonia aculeata) for the integrated management of pest plants and
• Parthenium Weed** (Parthenium animals.
hysterophorus)
The management of pest plants and animals is
• Pond Apple** (Annona glabra)
also provided for in various legislation including
• Prickly Acacia (Acacia nilotica) the Fisheries Act 1994 (noxious and exotic
• Rubber Vine** (Cryptostegia grandiflora) fishes), Plant Protection Act 1989 (plant pests
• Sagittaria** (Sagittaria platyphylla**) and diseases) and Nature Conservation Act 1992
• Salvinia** (Salvinia molesta) (prohibited wildlife).
• Serrated Tussock (Nassella trichotoma) The Queensland Weeds Strategy 2002-2006 and
• Silverleaf Nightshade (Solanum the Queensland Pest Animal Strategy 2002-2006
elaeagnifolium) establish a state-wide planning framework to
• Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes**) provide clear direction to government, community,
• Willows ** (Salix spp. except S.babylonica, industry and individuals for the management of
S.x calodendron & S.x reichardtij) weeds and pest and problem animals across the
state.
** species known to occur in the region
A number of pest management guidelines for
State policy and legislation declared pests and pest animal species strategies
have been developed to establish a collaborative
The Queensland Biosecurity Strategy 2009- approach to the management of these pests.
2014 sets the vision that Queensland will be
protected from the risks and impacts of pests The Biosecurity Act 2014 was enacted by
and diseases through the collaborative efforts of Queensland Parliament in March 2014. It
all Queenslanders. It identifies a suite of actions is planned to commence in 2016 when the
that focus on improving biosecurity systems and regulations are finalised. Under the new act,
building biosecurity capability and capacity. local governments are required to have a
biosecurity plan for invasive biosecurity matter.
The Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route The biosecurity plan will be developed after
the expiration of the Noosa Council Pest
Management Plan in 2019.
Page 146. Declared pests
Some animal and plant species have been
declared as pest species under the Land
Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management)
Act 2002 and are categorised into Class 1, 2, and
3 species.
Class 1 Pests
Not commonly present or established in
Queensland and has the potential to cause
impacts to whole or part of the State. Introduction,
keeping, releasing and supplying (including
supplying things containing reproductive material
of this pest) is not possible without a permit,
for special purposes, issued by Biosecurity
Queensland. Landholders must take reasonable
steps to keep land free of Class 1 pests.
Class 2 Pests
Taking for commercial use, introduction, keeping,
releasing and supplying (including supplying
things containing reproductive material of this
pest) is prohibited without a permit issued
by Biosecurity Queensland. Landholders are
required to control declared pests on their
properties.
Class 3 Pests
Supply or sale is prohibited. A landowner may be
given a pest control notice if this pest is or could
impact an environmentally significant area.
In addition Council may identify other species of
pests that are locally significant, but not declared
under the Act.
A listing of declared and other pest species is
provided Section 13.
Page 157. Pest management planning
7.1. The pest management planning 7.2. Principles of pest management
framework
The eight principles of pest management as
The Land Protection Act charges all Queensland stated in the Land Protection Act are:
councils with the development of a pest
management plan for their local government Integration Planning
area, the purpose of which is to bring together Pest management Pest management
all sectors of the community to provide for the is an integral part of planning must be
integrated management of pest plants and managing natural consistent at local,
animals. resources and regional, State and
agricultural systems. national levels to
It establishes a framework for pest management ensure resources
planning and requires that the local government target priorities for pest
area pest management plan be consistent with management at each
the principles of pest management, the state level.
government pest management strategies and the Public awareness Prevention
guidelines for pest management. Public awareness and Preventative pest
knowledge of pests management is
must be raised to achieved by preventing
increase the capacity the spread of pests
and willingness of and viable parts of
individuals to manage pests, especially by
pests. human activity, and
early detection and
intervention to control
pests.
Commitment Best practice
Effective pest Pest management must
management requires a be based on ecologically
long-term commitment and socially responsible
to pest management by pest management
the community, industry practices that protect
groups and government the environment and the
entities. productive capacity of
natural resources.
Consultation and Improvement
partnership
Consultation Research about pests,
and partnership and regular monitoring
arrangements between and evaluation of pest
local communities, control activities, is
industry groups, State necessary to improve
government agencies pest management
and local governments practices.
must be established to
achieve a collaborative
approach to pest
management.
Page 167.3 Desired outcomes
The Queensland Weeds Strategy 2002-2006
and the Queensland Pest Animal Strategy 2002-
2006 established a suite of desired outcomes
and associated issues that provide the overall
direction for the development of a Strategic Action
Plan. Pest management efforts under the Plan
are directed towards achieving the following
desired outcomes.
Desired outcome Issues Specific outcomes
Awareness and education
Stakeholders are informed, Public awareness Increase community, industry,
knowledgeable and have agribusiness and government
ownership of weed and pest animal awareness of pests and their impacts
management Education and Training Enhance stakeholder knowledge of
pest impacts and improve skills in
pest management
Availability of information Make information accessible to all
stakeholders
Commitment and partnerships
All stakeholders are committed to and Long term commitment Establish long term shared
undertake coordinated management stakeholder commitment to address
of weeds and pest animals weed and pest animal issues
Roles and responsibilities Establish roles and responsibilities for
pest management that are accepted
by landholders, community, industry
and government
Compliance and enforcement Ensure compliance with legislative
requirements for control of weeds and
pest animals
Informed decision making
Reliable information is available as a Data collection and assessment Collect, use and make available data
basis for decision-making relevant to pest management
Biology and impacts Further the understanding of the
biology, ecology, and impacts of
weeds and pest animals
Community attitudes Further the understanding of
community attitudes to weeds and
pest animal management
Strategic directions
Strategic directions are established, Planning Create and maintain regional
maintained and owned by all planning framework for weed and
stakeholders pest animal management
Strategy management and Implement, monitor, evaluate and
coordination review integrated weed and pest
animal management
Resources Efficiently and adequately resource
weed and pest animal management
Holistic management Integrate pest management planning
with other planning processes
Page 17Prevention, eradication and
containment
Introduction, spread and Prevention of introduction Prevent the introduction of new
establishment of weeds and pest weeds and pest animals
animals is prevented Early detection and eradication Prevent the local establishment of
new weeds and pest animals
Containment Minimise the spread of weeds and
pest animals to new areas
Integrated management
Integrated systems for managing Development of management Develop new and improve existing
the impacts of established weeds practices management practices
and pest animals are developed and Adoption of management practices Adopt and promote best practice
widely implemented management
Management incentives Offer incentives for practicing pest
management
Population and impact management Reduce pest populations an impacts
Environmentally significant areas Protect environmentally significant
areas from impact of pests
Page 188 The pest management
planning process
8.1. Plan development • Noosa Council
• Noosa Integrated Catchment Association
Development of a local government area pest • Noosa Parks Association
management plan is a statutory requirement
under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route • Queensland Rail
Management) Act 2002 and certain aspects of • Queensland Transport and Main Roads
the planning process are dictated by the Act. • SEQ Catchments
The planning process was also guided by the • SEQ Water
Guidelines for Local Government Area Pest
• Sunshine Coast Council
Management Plans (Biosecurity Queensland,
2009). Also under the Act, the Draft Plan must undergo
a 28 day public consultation period, before final
Key statutory requirements of the planning
approval by Biosecurity Qld and Council.
process included the establishment of a
stakeholder group, the provision of a public
8.3 Objectives
submission period and certain aspects of the
approval process. The stakeholder group identified seven
overarching objectives for Noosa pest
8.2. Consultation management.
Under the Land Protection (Stock Route and These are:
Rural Land) Act 2002, a Local Government
must establish a stakeholder group to provide 1. Pest management is planned, coordinated,
advice in development of the pest management managed and implemented
plan. In August 2014, a wide cross section of
stakeholders, including community groups, 2. Strengthen pest management education and
industry, state government and Council, met communication programs with stakeholders
to review the existing Sunshine Coast Local and the community
Government Pest Management Plan 2012-
3. Improve stakeholder and community capacity
2016, which includes Noosa, and recommend
to manage pests
the way forward for developing a Noosa Local
Government Area Pest Management Plan. 4. Develop and implement compliance
Organisations that had representation at the procedures and programs
workshops and/or provided input into Plan
development are listed below: 5. Conduct research to improve our
understanding and knowledge of pests and
Organisation: their control
• Australian Veterinary Association
6. Develop a priority listing of pest species for
• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and
targeted management
Forestry (Biosecurity Queensland)
• Department of National Parks, Recreation, 7. Develop information systems to record data,
Sports and Racing (National Parks) information and maps on pest species
• Department of Transport and Main Roads
The Strategic Action Plan in Section 11 provides
• Energex
the measures to achieve these objectives.
• Gympie Regional Council
• Mary River Catchment Coordinating
Committee
• Noosa and District Landcare Group
Page 199 Implementation of the plan
The Pest Management Stakeholder Review declared ‘local’ pest and are to be controlled
Group by land managers.
• For industry, particularly rural, horticultural,
Under the Land Protection (Stock Route and nursery and landscaping industries, there are
Rural Land) Act 2002, Council must review the obligations restricting the commercial use
Plan, on annual basis, three months before end of declared pest plants, supplying declared
of financial year. Council officers involved with pests and supplying things such as fodder,
pest management, will be seeking feedback from mulch, water or machinery containing the
the original Pest Management Stakeholder Group reproductive material of declared pest plants.
members, as to the effectiveness of the Plan. Any • Noosa Council has obligations in addition to
proposed changes to the Plan must be endorsed its responsibilities as a land manager. Council
by Biosecurity Qld. is responsible for ensuring that declared pests
are controlled within its area by complying
Stakeholder roles and responsibilities with the Land Protection Act and undertaking
enforcement activities as required. Council
Stakeholders in pest management are extremely is also required to prepare and implement
varied and include government, industry, a local government area pest management
community groups and individuals and all have an plan.
important role to play.
• The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries
Everyone is a stakeholder to a certain degree and Forestry (Biosecurity Queensland) is
and have certain obligations under the Land responsible for providing guidance and
Protection Act: leadership on pest management issues
• All individuals, including businesses and through state pest management strategies
organisations, must comply with requirements and guidelines and providing research,
to ensure that their activities don’t introduce or technical and management information and
spread declared pests. This includes actions training, and ensuring compliance with pest
such as keeping declared pests and moving control obligations by government.
vehicles containing soil or organic material In addition to these statutory obligations, this Plan
likely to contain pest plant reproductive highlights a variety of non-statutory roles and
material on roads. responsibilities for stakeholders.
• For land managers, including Council,
State Government, developers etc. these Landcare, catchment care and other community
obligations include controlling declared pests groups represent a crucial resource in the
on their own land, being vigilant for new management of weeds and pest animals. The
pest species and responding rapidly in an members of these groups volunteer their time and
appropriate manner. efforts to undertake important rehabilitation work
• More specifically under the Land Protection in degraded natural areas.
Act declared pests are categorised into
The management and control of non-declared
three classes. Land managers must take
pest species is the responsibility of all
reasonable steps to keep land free of Class
stakeholders. This Plan advocates for individuals,
1 and 2 declared pests. Land managers are
businesses and government alike to conduct their
not required to control Class 3 pests under
activities responsibly and to assist in achieving its
the Act unless their land is adjacent to an
objectives.
environmentally significant area (see section
10). Species not declared under the Land
Protection Act may still be declared at a
local government level under local laws as a
Page 20The framework for implementing the PMP
Desired outcomes and objectives (Section
7.3) to guide the implementation of the pest
management action plan are shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Implementation Plan Framework
The Strategic Action Plan reflects the cooperative
management of weeds and pest animals
and includes actions to be undertaken by all
stakeholders.
The Strategic Action Plan highlights priorities
within a four year implementation timeframe.
Each action identifies stakeholder/s responsible
for delivering actions, set timeframes and
indicators of success against which the Plan
will be evaluated. The majority of the actions
identified in the plan are underway as part of
existing duties and/or project.
Funding/resources
The majority of actions highlighted within the Plan
may be carried out as part of existing programs
and projects and through the very active
community volunteer work. However it should be
noted that to enhance current programs/activities
further funding may be required. Funding for
pest management actions can be sought through
programs such as the National Landcare Program
– an Australian Government initiative that funds
environmental management activities. Noosa
Council has Community Grants and Partnerships
Programs for not for profit organisations. In
addition funding is allocated by Noosa Council for
specific pest management projects.
Page 21CASE STUDY trials conducted in Australia supplement and
support South African studies, which indicate that
the tingid bug is a highly host specific biocontrol
Cat’s Claw Creeper/Tingid Bug agent, which does not pose risk to any non-target
plants in Australia. The tingid can lay eggs and
Background complete nymphal development only on the target
weed M. unguis-cati. It was recommended that
Council has initiated a control program aimed C. visenda be used as a biocontrol agent as it
at reducing the infestation levels of Macfadyena has the potential to play an important role in the
unguis-cati or cat’s claw creeper (CCC) occurring control of M. unguis-cati while posing no threat to
in the Kin Kin Creek sub-catchment of the Noosa any non-target plants.
River. This control program follows Integrated
Method
Pest Management (IPM) principles to manage
pest damage by the most economical means,
Advice from AFRS, which is supported by the
and with the least possible hazard to people,
activity of populations in previous releases
property, and the environment. The control
in Gympie, shows that field hardened tingids
program initiated in the Kin Kin sub-catchment for
develop a resilience to cold, and hence releases
the control of CCC uses chemical control and the
of tingids will occur throughout the year. Monthly
biocontrol, Carvalhotingis visenda (the tingid bug)
injections over 12 months of NDLG-reared tingid
to treat the targeted species.
bugs will be made into established release
CCC is a major environmental weed in coastal sites. This action will maintain the levels of the
and sub-coastal areas of Queensland and New existing populations, which fluctuates due to
South Wales. Control of this weed by non- changing environmental conditions. Monitoring is
biological means is both difficult and expensive, a component of the program and this information
and biocontrol appears the most suitable method. will be delivered to Council and AFRS.
Partnerships
This was a partnership project involving Noosa
Council, the Alan Fletcher Research Station
(AFRS) and the Noosa and District Landcare
Group (NDLG). The program has been funded
and directed by Council. NDLG has conducted
the on ground operations and monitoring
activities. AFRS has provided field support and
supplied the program with insects from their
rearing facility.
Tingid bug damage on Cat’s Claw creeper at Kin Kin
Biocontrol Agent
The biocontrol used for this program is the tingid
bug or Carvalhotingis visenda. Host specificity
Page 2210 Environmentally Significant
Areas
The designation of Environmentally Significant Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act
Areas (ESA) under the Land Protection Act 1999 (Cwlth), section 181;
provides an added protection against weeds and
pest animals for areas of ecological importance. (e) a declared Ramsar wetland under the
Environment Protection and Biodiversity
The owner of land where a class 3 pest is Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth);
causing (or likely to cause) adverse economic,
environmental or social impacts on an adjacent (f) an area of high nature conservation value
ESA (or on the owner’s land if it is within or under the Vegetation Management Act
adjacent to an ESA) may be issued with a 1999;
pest control notice requiring them to take
(g) an area, other than State-controlled land,
action against the pest. The notice may also
identified in a local government’s pest
be extended to apply to a species that is not a
management plan as an area that has
declared pest if it is considered to threaten the
special environmental significance for native
survival of native wildlife in the area or if it affects
wildlife; or
the area’s capacity to sustain natural processes.
(h) a wild river area.
In practice, the issue of a pest control notice
would usually only be considered as a last resort. Part (g) of this definition provides for the inclusion
A preferable outcome would be the establishment of areas of local ecological significance as
of a local partnership of land managers that would designated ESAs.
work together to control pests.
Additional ESAs identified by this plan under
The term ‘adjacent’ is not defined in the Land section 78(7)(g) of the Land Protection Act include
Protection Act. When determining adjacency for all land owned by the Noosa Council that is
this purpose, consideration needs to be given to managed for conservation purposes (this includes
the biological characteristics of the pest species any land added to the NSC conservation estate
in question. For highly mobile or dispersible pest after this Plan takes effect).
species, ‘adjacent’ might be taken to include a
greater area than for less mobile or dispersible
pest species.
Declared Environmentally Significant
Areas
Section 78(7) of the Land Protection Act defines
an ESA as any of the following:
(a) a protected area;
(b) land dedicated as a reserve for
environmental purposes under the Land Act,
section 31;
(c) a world heritage area listed under the World
Heritage Convention;
(d) an area supporting a critically endangered
or endangered ecological community in
the list established under the Environment
Page 23Environmentally significant areas
Noosa Shire Map of State and Council controlled Envi- accommodate management of additional ESAs.
ronmentally Significant Areas (ESAs) Land that is managed by the community or private
landowners for biodiversity conservation purposes
Subsequent reviews of this Plan may identify may be considered for inclusion.
additional areas for possible inclusion as
designated ESAs. These areas will be assessed
on their individual merits and consideration given
to biodiversity values, ecological condition of the
land, willingness of land owner to proactively
manage the land, degree of local community
support for pest management activities, potential
for pest impacts to be a significant threatening
process, and capacity for resources to
Page 2411 Noosa Local Government Area
Strategic Action Plan 2015-2019
The Strategic Action Plan reflects the cooperative management of weeds and pest animals and includes actions to
be undertaken by all stakeholders. The desired outcomes of the Queensland Weeds Strategy 2002-2006 and the
Queensland Pest Animal Strategy 2002-2006 provide the overall direction for the development of Actions in the Plan. The
Implementation Plan highlights actions within a four year implementation timeframe. Each action identifies stakeholders
responsible for delivering actions, set timeframes and indicators of success against which the Plan will be evaluated.
Ref # Strategic Actions Success Indicator Responsibilities Time Resourcing Status
frame Note: Absorbed
= may be car-
ried out as part
of an existing
officer’s duties
Objective 1: Pest Management is planned, coordinated, managed and implemented.
Desired outcome: Strategic directions
1.1 Establish a PMP working group A PMP Working Group The PMP Working Group March and Absorbed Ongoing
of key stakeholders to oversee meeting is held every will be coordinated by September
the implementation and review 6 months to review the Council and will be
of the Local Government Area PMP and make recom- seeking feedback from
Pest Management Plan (LGAP- mendations, in consulta- key stakeholders on the
MP). tion with stakeholders. effectiveness of the PMP
Objective 2: Strengthen pest management education and communication programs with stakeholders, landholders and the community.
Desired outcome: Awareness and education, Integrated management
2.1 Develop a PMP Communi- Updated pest manage- Council to develop web June 2015 Absorbed Not start-
cation and Education Plan, ment information on page and email database ed but
including: Council website and for updates. existing
- Target markets stakeholder database. programs
- Council pest reporting hotline Completed PMP include
- Raising community pest Communication Plan. Land for
awareness Wildlife,
- Stakeholder lists including Land-
environment groups care and
- Sources of pest publications Council’s
- Webpage and links to State/ Pest
Commonwealth pest resources Survey
- Joint events & forums program
- Early detection
-information to landholders on
livestock security
2.2 Deliver education programs to Education programs are PMP Working Group and Education Absorbed grant Ongoing
raise awareness of pest manage- delivered to key stake- stakeholders identified programs funding.
ment controls to key internal holders as per Commu- in Communication and are current- Existing LFW
and external stakeholders on: nication and Education Education Plan ly being program.
- Pest identification Plan. delivered by
- Priority pest species LandCare,
- Control measures and alter- Council
natives Pest Survey
- Revegetation techniques program
and
through
Land for
Wildlife
program.
Page 252.3 Best practice guidelines are Best practice guidelines PMP Working Group and Annual Absorbed. Ongoing
developed to support the are developed on a case key stakeholders review of Best practice
implementation of the PMP, by case basis to assist the need guidelines
consistent with State and stakeholders to imple- for specific available
Commonwealth policy and ment pest management pest man- through state
guidelines controls agement and national
guide- sources.
lines by
the PMP
Working
Group.
2.4 Provide education on respon- Education is provided to Council, environment Ongoing Education on Ongoing
sible pet ownership and illegal residents and visitors groups, residents responsible
pets to residents pet ownership
is currently
provided by
Council’s local
laws officers
Objective 3: Improve stakeholder, landholder and community capacity to manage pests
Desired outcome: Commitment and partnerships, integrated management
3.1 Participate in SEQ Pest Adviso- Attendance at forum Local and State Govern- Once Absorbed Ongoing
ry Forum (SEQPAF) and attend ment, specialists every 4
meetings months
3.2 Source grants and funding An up to date list is Commonwealth, State Review Absorbed Ongoing
to support pest management maintained on availa- and Local Government, grant
programs through: ble grant funding and Environment Groups, funding
- Subscribing to grant pro- information shared with landholders each quar-
grams stakeholders. Stake- ter and
- Disseminating grant informa- holders are successful distribute
tion to stakeholders in securing grants and informa-
- Cooperative grant submis- funding when available. tion to
sions and program delivery stakehold-
ers.
3.3 Pest management resources Landholders and envi- Council, Biosecurity Qld, Review of Absorbed, Ongoing
and incentives are provided to ronment groups are pro- landholders, SEQ Water, resourcing grant funding,
landholders and environment vided with resources and Environment Groups capabilities Council, SEQ
groups to manage pests on a incentives to manage June 2015 Water and Bi-
case by case basis and subject pests where required. osecurity Qld
to priorities. project funding
Objective 4 : Develop and implement compliance procedures and programs with landholders
Desired outcomes: Commitment and partnerships, prevention, eradication and containment
4.1 Landholder pest surveys are Pest Surveys are com- Council, Biosecurity Qld, Council Council ab- Ongoing
conducted annually across the pleted, property pest landholders, State Gov- surveys sorbed
Shire management plans ernment Agencies specific
developed and regulato- areas each
ry notices served where quarter
required.
4.2 A database is kept on pest Database is maintained Council and State Gov- Ongoing Council ab- Currently
surveys, property pest man- ernment Agencies sorbed underway
agement plans and regulatory
actions.
4.3 Domestic animals such as cats Regulation of Local Laws Council, Biosecurity Qld, Ongoing Absorbed Ongoing
and dogs that may impact on residents
native fauna are controlled
through local law regulato-
ry services and compliance
actions implemented for illegal
pets.
Page 26Objective 5: Conduct research to improve our understanding and knowledge of pests and their control
Desired outcome: Informed decision making
5.1 Conduct targeted research for Research is completed Biosecurity Qld support- As Biosecurity Ongoing
specific pest species consistent and recommendations ed by Council, QPWS, required Qld, grants,
with State research priorities. made for specific pest Environment Groups, University
species. Universities and land- Research pro-
holders. grams
5.2 Controls are trialled and Trials are conducted PMP Working Group, As Government Ongoing
literature produced for key pest on a case by case basis Council, Biosecurity Qld, required funding and
management issues. identified by the PMP Environment Groups, grants
Working Group and key landholders.
stakeholders.
Objective 6: Develop a priority listing of pest species and locations for targeted pest management
Desired Outcomes: Strategic directions, prevention, eradication and containment
6.1 Develop a Top 10 priority list List is endorsed by the PMP Working Group and December Absorbed Draft
for Class 1, 2 and 3 and other PMP Working Group in consultation with all 2014 complet-
pest species to provide a focus and distributed to stake- key stakeholders. ed.
for pest management activities. holders.
Consider WONS and other
existing priority lists in this
process.
6.2 Develop and implement specif- Pest species manage- Council in consultation One pest Absorbed Target-
ic pest species animal control ment plans are endorsed with PMP Working species ed pest
plans for dogs, foxes, deer, cats, by the PMP Working Group, landholders and control animal
pigs, common minors and Group. neighbouring Councils. plan doc- control is
other species that impact on ument per ongoing.
Noosa’s biodiversity and threat- year Develop
ened species. formal
Note that it is recommended control
that measures other than 1080, plans
be used for feral pig control in
Noosa Shire.
6.3 Identify local priority areas for Priority areas are iden- Council, stakeholders, September Absorbed Not
pest management activities in tified on private lands landholders, environment 2015 started
consultation with landholders and public areas and are groups in consultation
and environment groups in targeted for pest man- with the PMP Working
consideration of: agement. Group.
- Weeds in upper catchments Review Council service
causing downstream impacts levels for weed control
- Areas of high transmission and consider increased
such as land fill sites, road capacity, subject to
reserves and boat ramps budget deliberations.
- Controls being practical and
achievable.
6.4 Identify potential new incur- A list of potential new PMP Working Group and June 2015 Absorbed Not yet
sion threats and undertake incursions is developed information supplied to Early started.
early detection and rapid and an early detection stakeholders/landholders. detection Early
response programs, consistent and response program is program detection
with Commonwealth and State implemented. will be program
alerts. part of will be
Communi- part of
cation and Commu-
Education nication
Plan and
Education
Plan
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