18 October 2021
Southern Downs Regional Council has adopted a workable and practical plan to formally replace the previous Invasive Pest Control Scheme in its continued commitment to support rural landholders in tackling invasive pests and weeds across the region.
Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, Council is obliged to manage and regulate invasive pests and the newly adopted plan will support land and livestock sustainability on the Southern Downs.
Southern Downs Councillor Stephen Tancred supported the plan and said it allowed for a diverse and customised management approach by zoning the region based on soil, topography and land use.
“How we address invasive pests will underpin the future of our region and the adoption of this plan provides clarity, guidance and structure for our rural landowners to manage invasive pests and weeds on their properties,” Councillor Tancred said.
“Ultimately it is landholders who have the primary responsibility for their property and this plan demonstrates Council’s commitment to assisting landholders in meeting their biosecurity obligations.
“I like the practical separation of the region into three zones based on soil type, topography and land use. It allows a horses for courses approach to each pest depending on if they are in the Warwick, Traprock or Granite Belt zone.
“The plan is realistic in that it doesn’t aim for eradication but rather effective management to minimise the impacts of pests.”
The Southern Downs Regional Council Invasive Pests Strategic Plan 2021-2024 was developed in line with the following philosophies:
- The plan adopts best practice risk management based on an approach to minimise impacts of invasive pests across the region.
- The region has been divided into three pest management zones based on differences of soil type, topography and land use to allow more effective management of different invasive pests in each zone.
- Risk assessments have been completed of all known pests on the Southern Downs and a generalised management approach has been suggested.
- Revised and simplified compliance processes are to be applied when awareness and education fails to adequately manage the risk associated with a pest.
The revised plan was developed and refined in consultation with elected members of Council, Southern Downs Regional Council Pest Management Advisory Committee and members of the community. Feedback received from consultation was reviewed and incorporated into the final plan.
Visit www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/environmental-sustainability/environmental-sustainability-strategy/valuing-water/sdrc-invasive-pests-strategic-plan-2021-2024 to review the full plan.