2020-02-11 P&E Agenda - Item 5 - Attachment 2 - Draft Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020

2. Introduction and purpose
Noosa has an extensive vegetation network with a diverse representation of ecosystems, fauna and
flora, and habitat. Protected areas make up a third of the shire and a significant amount of vegetation
and habitat exist on private land. Along with development and climate change, invasive animals and
plants are a significant threat to Noosa’s biodiversity values. The livelihood of landowners can also
be impacted by pest species. Wild dogs predate on stock and weeds can infest pasture and reduce
productivity. The Noosa Biosecurity Plan aims to avoid and mitigate these threats, recognising that
taking a risk management approach and prioritising actions in a practical and logical way, is the way
forward to achieve the best outcomes for public and private landowners.
The purpose of the Plan is to guide actions for local government and landowners concerning
biosecurity risks in relation to invasive plants and animals. Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, public
and private landowners have a general obligation to take reasonable and practical steps to minimise
biosecurity matters that may present a risk to people, industry and/or the environment. This is
consistent with the Noosa Environment Strategy, which has targets for retaining ecosystem values
and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.




Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020                                                                     Page 4