Report 4: 2020-21

Managing the Impact of Plant and Animal Pests: Follow-up

Response from entities

Response from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is responsible for conserving WA’s biodiversity, managing approximately 29 million hectares of national parks, State forest and other reserves, and managing the sustainable use and promoting enjoyment of natural areas and wildlife. We also have responsibilities to manage pests on approximately 91 million hectares of unallocated Crown land and unmanaged reserves outside of metropolitan areas and townsites.

We undertake this challenge within existing resources. Management and control of pest species is prioritised to protect native plants and animals, particularly threatened species, enhance national parks and other reserves to enrich visitor enjoyment and experiences, and support good relations with our neighbours.

We acknowledge the findings of the audit and will continue to work with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to improve pest management in WA.

Response from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

In 2007, the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act (BAM Act) was enacted, followed by the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Regulations in 2013. This was part of a transition of the management of biosecurity in WA to a model of true shared responsibility across industry, governments and community. In particular, there has been a significant change in the management and control of widespread and established plant and animal pests in the State, focusing on the development of a community coordinated approach for these pests, and an emphasis on education, engagement and voluntary compliance.

This change was made taking into account current science and policy, and recognising that government resources are best focussed on the prevention and eradication of pests not yet established in the State, rather than the operational management of widespread pests that should be controlled at a local level. Furthermore, it provided a mechanism to empower communities to target and manage the widespread and established pests of most concern to them, and support the responsibilities of landholders under the BAM Act to control those pests through a community approach.

The development and increase of recognised biosecurity groups as the preferred community coordinated approach to manage established and widespread declared pests has enabled us to reprioritise resources to minimise the new and emerging pest and weed threats coming to WA, and provide the best possible public good outcomes.

It is important also to recognise that the capacity of the Department to provide these services is impacted by the occurrence of new and emerging biosecurity threats and priorities, including responses to biosecurity incidents and incursions. Future planning must ensure that these critical services can be maintained throughout these times.

Whilst much work has been done in this transition, there is much still to do. We recognise and acknowledge that it must continue to work with stakeholders to strengthen the system for managing these pests, and minimise the impact on our industries, communities, social amenity and environment. The findings of this report will be an important part of this work.

Page last updated: August 31, 2020

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