2015-04-28 Planning and Organisation Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                     28 APRIL 2015


The Pest Management Plan Stakeholder Group had expert advisors (two qualified
veterinaries) concerning the use of 1080 and provided a balanced viewpoint on the issue. In
their view, there is little evidence to support the contention that 1080 causes suffering to wild
dogs, but rather induces a 'fit like' state, which can be distressing to observers. 1080 breaks
down quickly and is very short lived, and seldom impacts on non-target species such as
native fauna, when used correctly.

There are expensive and labour intensive alternatives to 1080 wild dog control, such as
trapping and fencing. However these measures are case specific and are not effective on
their own in managing wild dog populations. It is therefore recommended that Council
continues to support the use of 1080 poison for wild dog control until other alternatives or
more cost effective options become available for Council and landholders. This approach is
consistent with the Queensland Government Wild Dog Management Strategy 2011-16.

It is acknowledged that there are other alternatives to 1080, although not necessarily as
effective in controlling wild dog populations. The Draft Pest Management Plan has been
amended to acknowledge this.

3.    Bushland Care and Environment Group submissions

Submissions concerned a range of topics including:
  Suggestions on controlling specific target weed species;
  Improved planning for weed management in natural areas;
  Greater resourcing for Council’s Natural Areas team and volunteers to undertake weed
    control;
  The provision of fact sheets and website material to the community;
  Clarifying weed management responsibilities; and
  Educating Council staff and contractors on weed control.

Each of the subject areas raised by the Bushland Care Groups and Environment Groups
have been addressed in the Attachment 1 summary table, with recommendations on any
changes to the Plan.

4.    Final approval of the Pest Management Plan

The Draft Noosa LGA Pest Management Plan 2015-2019 attached has been updated to
include the recommended changes from the Attachment 1 summary table and a copy has
been provided to Biosecurity Queensland. Biosecurity Queensland is supportive of the
amendments. It is also proposed that after Council consideration, a copy of the Attachment 1
summary table, with recommendations, be posted on Your Say Noosa, for viewing by the
submitters.

Previous Council Consideration

Ordinary Meeting Minutes 15 January 2015, Page 18
That Council note the report by the Principal Environment Officer to the General Committee
Meeting dated 12 January 2015 and:

A.    Note that the Pest Management Plan Stakeholder Group has prepared a Draft Noosa
      Local Government Area Pest Management Plan 2015-2019; and
B.    Approve the undertaking of a 28 day public consultation process for the Draft Noosa
      Local Government Area Pest Management Plan 2015-2019, as a requirement of the
      Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.



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