2015-01-12 General Committee Agenda Attachment 1 to Item 7 Pest Management Plan 2015-2019

Federal policies and legislation

Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010-2030 recognises that invasive species
continue to be a major cause of pressure and that climate change is already increasing the
impact of invasive species on biodiversity. The strategy identifies building ecosystem
resilience as a priority for change.

The Australian Weeds Strategy and the Australian Pest Animal Strategy identify national
priorities for pest management with the aim of minimising impacts on Australia’s
environmental, economic and social assets. They provide national leadership for all
Australians to work together against the serious impact of weeds and pest animals.

Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 the Australian Government can
list Key Threatening Processes and develop and implement Threat Abatement and
Recovery Plans.




Key threatening processes involving introduced and/or invasive species

      Competition and land degradation by rabbits*
      Competition and land degradation by unmanaged goats*
      Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi)*
      Invasion of northern Australia by gamba grass and other introduced grasses
      Loss and degradation of native plant and animal habitat by invasion of escaped
       garden plants, including aquatic plants
      Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem integrity following invasion by the yellow crazy
       ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) on Christmas Island, India Ocean
      Predation by European Red Fox*
      Predation by exotic rats on Australian offshore islands of less than 1000km2
       (100,000 ha)
      Predation by feral cats*
      Predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease transmission by feral pigs*
      The biological effects, including lethal toxic ingestion, caused by cane toads (Bufo
       marinus)*
      The reduction in the biodiversity of Australian native fauna and flora due to the red
       imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta).

*Key Threatening Processes for which a Threat Abatement Plan has been prepared


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