Biosecurity plan targets spread of invasive species

A plan detailing the management of biosecurity threats in the Scenic Rim and how Council will meet its biosecurity obligations was adopted at today's Ordinary Meeting. 

Community and stakeholder feedback has contributed to the amended Scenic Rim Biosecurity Plan for managing invasive plants and animals and Council's biosecurity obligations in line with Queensland Government legislation. 

Scenic Rim's Biodiversity and Agribusiness Portfolio Councillor Marshall Chalk said the plan underscored Council's commitment to protecting the region's environmental values and rural businesses from biosecurity threats. 

"Effectively managing invasive species, including fire ants, requires the commitment of the entire Scenic Rim community working in partnership with all levels of government, peak industry bodies and associations and environmental groups," he said. 

"Council is grateful to members of the community who provided their feedback during consultation on the draft plan. 

"Everyone has a part to play in protecting our region's natural environment and rural land which are vital to the Scenic Rim's economy which relies on tourism and agriculture. 

"Failure to manage biosecurity threats on private and Council-controlled land also threatens the biodiversity of our region, as invasive species are responsible for the extinction of native plants and animals." 

The biosecurity plan details the Scenic Rim's invasive plant and animal species which have been categorised as prohibited or restricted under the Biosecurity Act 2014 and their priority for management based on a risk assessment. It also provides practical guidance for the community on minimising the spread of invasive species on private and public land. 

A working group of key stakeholders will be formed to review the plan annually and to monitor and evaluate its effectiveness and potentially update the plan. 

The implementation of Council's biosecurity measures has been supported by the appointment of a Senior Biosecurity Officer in April 2024. 

Council's 2024-2025 Budget has provided for a Biosecurity Officer, who will conduct field work in addition to supporting the Senior Biosecurity Officer with customer enquiries and community consultation and education programs. 

On 1 July 2024, Council became responsible for managing fire ants on Council-controlled land and the costs of this are still being assessed. 

"Under the Biosecurity Act 2014 everyone, including individuals and organisations, is responsible for taking all reasonable steps to stop the spread of this invasive pest which has the potential to cost an estimated $45 billion in South East Queensland alone," Cr Chalk said. 

"I urge Scenic Rim residents to continue to inspect their yards and paddocks for fire ants and report fire ant sightings directly to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries online or by phoning 13 25 23."