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

2. Introduction

       2.1.Background
Weeds and pest animals degrade natural ecosystems and agricultural landscapes, threaten
biodiversity and interfere with human health and recreation. Once pests become established,
significant resources are required to control them and rehabilitate impacted ecosystems.
Noosa Council recognises weeds and pest animals as one of the most significant threats to
biodiversity in the Shire. Combating this threat will require a clear commitment and combined
effort from industry, the community, state government and Council.
The Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 (the Land Protection
Act) charges all Queensland councils with the development of a pest management plan for
managing declared pests within their local government area. The Noosa Local Government
Area Pest Management Plan (the Plan) has been prepared to fulfil this requirement.
However, this plan is not simply a statement of the Noosa Council’s pest management
responsibilities. It is a community plan developed through consultation with key
stakeholders, residents and visitors to Noosa.




                            Large Leaf Privot Ligustrum lucidum

       2.2.Purpose of the Pest Management Plan
The purpose of the Plan is to establish a foundation for the cooperative management of
weeds and pest animals in Noosa Shire.
It establishes local priorities and sets strategies and actions that address the environmental,
economic and social impacts of weeds and pest animals. It identifies stakeholders and
defines their roles and responsibilities for managing weeds and pest animals, and will assist
in developing and maintaining partnerships between those stakeholders.
The Plan provides a means of ensuring that resources are targeted at the highest priority
activities and those that are most likely to succeed. It also incorporates mechanisms for
monitoring, evaluating and reporting on the effectiveness of the pest management actions
identified.




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