Biosecurity Surveillance Program 2027-2031 · Report

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                     8 SEPTEMBER 2026


Risk & Opportunities
Early detection of new invasive species in our region is critical for preventing them from becoming
established and has significant benefits in terms of reducing their impact on our environment,
economy and social amenity. The costs associated with managing invasive species increase
significantly as they become more established and widespread.

With an increasing number of residents moving to the region (particularly the hinterland areas) with
sometimes limited understanding of rural lifestyles, invasive plants and animals can present a
problem on large and small acreage as well as urban fringe areas.
Failure to deliver the nominated surveillance program may:
   •   put at risk the control of invasive plants and animals throughout the region, causing
       environmental damage, loss of biodiversity, agricultural productivity and community amenity;
       and
   •   result in Council failing to meet its obligations under the Biosecurity Act 2014 to ensure
       prohibited and restricted matter is managed in accordance with the Act.
A formal response to the Enterprise Risk & Opportunity Framework identifies a HIGH risk rating of
failing to endorse this program:
                                                                                          Inherent
Risk Description            Risk Category Existing Controls LikelihoodConsequence
                                                                                          Risk
Failure to detect and                      Current invasive
manage prohibited and                      species
restricted invasive species                management
across the region,          Environment,   activities,
resulting in environmental Legal &         Biosecurity Team
                                                               Likely      High           High
degradation, biodiversity Compliance,      expertise,
loss, increased             Reputation     community
management costs and                       education, previous
non-compliance with the                    surveillance
Biosecurity Act 2014.                      programs.




Human Rights
Human Rights Compatibility Statement
In developing this Report, the subject matter has been considered in accordance with the
requirements of the Queensland Human Rights Act 2019. It is considered that the subject matter
does not conflict with any human rights and supports a human rights approach to decision making
by Council. Council representatives will endeavour to act and make decisions under this report in a
manner that is compatible with human rights. This report should be read in conjunction with
Council’s Human Rights Policy.



Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
External consultations will include:
   •   Consultation with Biosecurity Queensland regarding the proposed program design and
       survey methodology in accordance with s239(2) of the Act.
   •   Publication of the adopted program on Council's website.