Pest Management

North West Queensland Regional Biosecurity Plan 2022-2027

The North West Queensland Regional Biosecurity Plan (the plan), was agreed to be developed by the North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC) to establish a catchment approach to the management of invasive biosecurity matter. The plan sets out the strategic direction of all stakeholders in a cooperative  and collaborative way so that all efforts are directed towards the same agreed priorities.

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. This plan delivers achievable objectives to ensure all landholders in the region actively undertake invasive  biosecurity matter control, have agreed risk management strategies in place to ensure reduced movements of invasive biosecurity matter from their properties, which is supported by encouragement and incentives. Stakeholders will invest resources in a collaborative approach to ensure both shire and regional community priorities are addressed.

The Biosecurity Act 2014 (the Act) sets out a framework for the management of invasive biosecurity matter across Queensland.  Section 53 of the Act mandates that Local Governments must have a biosecurity plan for invasive biosecurity matter for its area. Section 55 allows for Local Governments to act concurrently for biosecurity planning, this plan sets priorities at the Local Govenment level, as well as the broader stakeholder level, to meet their statutory requirement. Each Local Goverment has legislative power to ensure prohibited and restricted biosecurity matter are managed in their area. This document is supported by the broader North West Queensland Regional Weed and Pest Animal Strategy 2020-2024.

The development and implementation of this plan is based on the management principals of integration: public awareness, commitment, consultation and partnership, planning, prevention and early intervention, best practice, and improvement.  A copy of the Act can be accessed here.

The North West Queensland Regional Biosecurity Plan 2022 -2027 can be access here

 

Mosquito Control

Mosquito numbers are likely to increase due to the high rainfall that the region has experienced as well as over the Wet Season. 

Things you can do to protect yourself

  • Use repellent containing DEET if you are outside
  • Wear long sleeve shirts and trousers -light colours are best
  • Check around the home for any containers holding water and empty them
  • Check items such as BBQ covers which maybe holding water

Small amounts of water can breed large numbers of mosquitoes under the right conditions

Reducing mosquitoes in your backyard

Residents can do a lot to reduce mosquito numbers around their houses including

  • Throwing out containers in the yard that hold water (eg. tyres, tins, jars, etc)
  • Changing water in bird baths and pet bowls frequently
  • Cleaning roof gutters on a regular basis
  • Emptying pot plant saucers every week or filling them with sand
  • Keeping swimming pools clean and chlorinated
  • Keeping ornamental ponds and fountains stocked with fish
  • Creating a frog-friendly garden

Around the house

  • Spray screens with residual products
  • Increase light and air movement around dark and damp areas
  • Outdoor areas can be treated with products containing BiFenthrin for control over longer periods
  • Limit time outside around dawn and dusk

Mosquitoes and Rainwater Tanks

Rainwater tanks can provide ideal conditions for mosquitoes and midges to breed. A hole the size of a matchstick end is enough to allow mosquitoes into the tank and for thousands of larvae to develop. Tanks must be checked on a regular basis. Checks should include the screens on every opening, such as the overflow. Other containers used to hold rainwater, such as drums or movable tanks, will also provide ideal mosquito breeding locations. Any holes must be fitted with mosquito-proof screens.

For more information about Mosquito Borne Disease Prevention please follow the link to the Queensland Government website.

 

Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002

Under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002, Local Governments are responsible for ensuring declared pests and managed within their areas in accordance with the Act and the principles of pest management. The Regulation states that certain animals and plants species are declared pests. As a rural Council, Burke Shire Council places significant resources towards pest management and the protection of its rural industries. The expertise of stakeholders (including representatives of local and state government agencies, industry groups, environmental and other community groups and private landholders) has been drawn on in planning for cooperative management of pests on all land within the shire boundaries.

 

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