Biosecurity Plan
North West Queensland Regional Biosecurity Plan (NWQRBP) 2022-2027
The North West Queensland Regional Biosecurity Plan 2022-2027 has been facilitated and compiled by Southern Gulf NRM and developed in partnership with the North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC), and participating councils; Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Etheridge, Flinders,McKinlay, Mount Isa and Richmond Shire Councils.
Pests have significant impact on human health, the economy, the environment and social amenity. The objective of managing invasive species is to prevent incursions and to minimise the negative impacts of these species.
The purpose of the North West Queensland Regional Biosecurity Plan (NWQRBP) is to establish a Local Government planning framework that will address the impacts of the Flinders Shire current and potential pests. The development and implementation of this strategy is based on the management principles of integration; public awareness; commitment; consultation and partnership; planning; prevention and early intervention; best practice; and improvement.
The management of pests is a shared responsibility of land managers, industry, the community and all levels of government. While the primary responsibility rests with the land manager, collective action which engages all stakeholders is best practice, particularly for transient species.
The Plan has been established to ensure resources are targeted to the highest priority biosecurity management activities and are those most likely to succeed.
The plan looks to increase awareness, define agreed responsibilities and coordinate strategic actions to:
- Reduce the economic, environmental and social impacts of pests,
- Improve the use of finite resources and expertise available for managing pests within the shire,
- Prevent Establishment and prevent the spread of pests,
- Lessen the local impacts of priority pests and
- Improve the protection of environmentally significant areas.
The NWQRBP has been developed for the benefit of the North West Region and our entire community. The expertise of many local stakeholders has been drawn on in planning for the cooperative management of pests on all land within the shire boundaries.
The Biosecurity Act 2014 supports the prevention, eradication and effective management of invasive biosecurity matter by providing for the development of biosecurity plans. Under the Act, local governments, together with the community, are required to have a biosecurity plan in place to manage biosecurity matter in their local government areas. Practical solutions that are appropriate to the levels and types of issues can be strategically developed. Involving community sectors in planning and development is considered best practice and fosters shared ownership for the management of invasive biosecurity matter.
The general biosecurity obligation (GBO) is the principle obligation under the Act and requires a person to take action to minimise biosecurity risks.
The management of invasive biosecurity matter is a shared responsibility of all land managers, industry, the community, and all levels of government. While primary responsibility rests with the land manager, collective action which engages all stakeholders is best practice, particularly for mobile species.
Biosecurity Risks can be unpredictable, rapidly changing and variable across bioregions and time. Planning is imperative to the successful management of invasive biosecurity risk within and between local government areas. The scope of the NWQRBP is to manage risk associated with invasive plants and animals. This includes prohibited matter, and restricted matter.
Local Governments may also have invasive plants and animals that are not listed on these schedules, but pose a threat to the area and require management.
Council provides a washdown facility located on the Hughenden Saleyards Complex, that is available for public use. Please refer to Hughenden Saleyards for more information.
Council asks that sightings of declared pests within the Flinders Shire be reported to council on (07) 4741 2900 or by visiting the office at 34 Gray Street, Hughenden.
More information about pests can be gained at www.daf.qld.gov.au