Original source · versioned page text
2019-11-12 - P&E Agenda - Item 3 - Attachment 1 - Draft Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020
Text sections have not been matched to the original PDF pages. Use the original document to check page numbers.
Plans and drawings
This document appears to be plans or drawings. Its page text below holds only the words printed on the drawings, without the drawings themselves, so it may be jumbled or hard to follow. To see the plans as drawn, choose Original above or download the file (both need you to log in).
Log in to see the plans as drawn Attachment 1 to Item 3
Planning & Environment
Committee Agenda
12 November 2019
Noosa Biosecurity Plan
2020
DRAFT
Feral pig Sus scrofa
Photo: Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
See the original
The page text is free to read. Viewing or downloading an original file needs an account.
Log in to see the originalLog in to download the original file
Large file: the download may take up to a minute.
Searchable page text hides email addresses. Original files are unchanged and may show email addresses.
Full text of the other 31 sections
Section 2
© Noosa Council 2020 www.noosa.qld.gov.au General Enquiries: By telephone: (07) 5329 6500 By email: [email protected] Fax: (07) 5329 6501 Street Address: 9 Pelican Street, TEWANTIN Postal address: PO Box 141, TEWANTIN QLD 4565 Endorsed by Noosa Council [date to be inserted] or insert document date
Section 3
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary ............................................................................................................. 2
2. Introduction and purpose.................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 3
2.2 Purpose of the Biosecurity Plan ............................................................................... 3
3. Background and Context .................................................................................................... 3
3.1 Description of Noosa Shire ....................................................................................... 3
3.2 Why do we need a Biosecurity Plan? ....................................................................... 5
3.3 What are invasive biosecurity matters? .................................................................... 5
3.4 Regulation ................................................................................................................ 6
3.5 Plan objectives ......................................................................................................... 6
3.6 Scope ....................................................................................................................... 7
3.7 Stakeholders ............................................................................................................ 7
4. Management approach ........................................................................................................ 7
4.1 Reporting and management response ..................................................................... 8
4.2 Shire wide priorities for Schedule 1&2 invasive species ........................................... 8
4.3 Climate change ...................................................................................................... 10
5. Management methods ....................................................................................................... 11
5.1 Invasive plants ....................................................................................................... 11
5.1.1 Property pest management plans.................................................................................... 11
5.1.2 Management techniques ................................................................................................. 12
5.1.3 Timing .............................................................................................................................. 13
5.2 Invasive animals..................................................................................................... 14
5.2.1 Management techniques ................................................................................................. 14
5.2.2 Timing .............................................................................................................................. 15
5.3 Codes of Practice ................................................................................................... 16
6. Information systems .......................................................................................................... 16
6.1 Historic data and information .................................................................................. 16
6.2 Surveys .................................................................................................................. 18
6.2.1 Pest survey program........................................................................................................ 18
6.2.2 Shire wide surveys ........................................................................................................... 18
6.2.3 Targeted surveys ............................................................................................................. 19
6.3 Data collection applications .................................................................................... 20
6.3.1 ‘Collector App’-Council .................................................................................................... 20
7. Community engagement ................................................................................................... 21
8. Summary ............................................................................................................................ 21
9. Implementation Action Plan .............................................................................................. 22
10. Appendix ............................................................................................................................ 25
10.1 Invasive species list ............................................................................................... 25
10.2 Useful websites on invasive species ...................................................................... 30
Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 1
Section 4
1. Executive Summary Biosecurity is defined as efforts to prevent, respond to and recover from pests and diseases that threaten the economy and the environment. Under the Biosecurity Act 2014 all public and private landowners have a general biosecurity obligation to control invasive plants and animals on their land. The Act also requires local governments to have a Biosecurity Plan for their local government area and this is a key action under the Noosa Environment Strategy 2019. Invasive animals and plants can be a threat to biodiversity, agriculture and human health. Prevention and eradication at early stages can save a significant amount of financial resources in the long term. The purpose of the Plan is to identify priority actions for local government, other government agencies and private landowners on biosecurity matters within Noosa Shire. It is also acknowledged that some introduced plants are now naturalised and perform an ecosystem function stabilising soil, providing habitat for fauna and absorbing nutrients in wetland areas. Extreme control measures without natural regenerative approaches can cause environmental harm. This Plan takes a risk management approach with pest plants and animals and prioritises geographic areas for targeted inspections and management actions. Water Hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes Photo: Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 2
Section 5
2. Introduction and purpose 2.1 Introduction Noosa has an extensive vegetation network with a diverse representation of regional 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. 2.2 Purpose of the Biosecurity Plan 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 2019 which has targets for retaining ecosystem values and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. 3. Background and Context 3.1 Description of Noosa Shire Geological history and a sub-tropical climate has shaped Noosa’s landscape and ecosystems. The original inhabitants, the Kabi Kabi people, had a close affinity with their environment and were influential in shaping vegetation and habitat, particularly through the use of fire, over many thousands of years. With European settlement in the late 1800s non-native plant and animal species were introduced into the area, impacting on vegetation, flora and fauna. As settlement expanded so did the extent of invasive species such as cats, dogs, pigs, ornamental plants and agricultural weeds. Other species were accidently released which also threatened the environment and agricultural productivity. Today, the release of invasive plants and animal species is still a risk and authorities are working hard to minimise these threats through border controls and regulation through the Biosecurity Act 2014. Some invasive species are now naturalised and are unlikely to ever be eradicated from Noosa Shire. They now perform an ecosystem function, for example erosion control, habitat for native species or nutrient sequestration from waterways. The role of the Noosa Biosecurity Plan is to prioritise which species are a focus for management and identify actions that can be implemented in a practical and cost effective way. Broad-leaved pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) Photo: Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 3
Section 6
Map 1 Management of invasive biosecurity matters apply to all public and private landowners across the Shire Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 4
Section 7
3.2 Why do we need a Biosecurity Plan?
There are approximately 8.7million plant and animal species in the world and some of these
represent a biosecurity risk to Australia and Noosa. Plants and animals have been colonising
Australia from other parts of the world for thousands of years and recent occupation, settlement
and development have dramatically increased the abundance and diversity of introduced species.
Since European settlement several thousand plant and animal (including invertebrates) have been
introduced into Australia. Many of these species are now well established and unlikely to be
eradicated. Introduced species can significantly impact on biodiversity, economies and community
health. Alternatively some introduced species can fulfil an ecosystem function, absorbing nutrients,
protecting soil from erosion and providing habitat for fauna.
Council has shire wide jurisdiction concerning biosecurity matters but under the Biosecurity Act
2014 all landowners are responsible for biosecurity matters on their land. The Noosa Biosecurity
Plan 2020 identifies priority invasive plants and animals that can be a problem in Noosa Shire and
management actions for landowners that are practical and feasible. Importantly consultation,
raising awareness and collaboration with key stakeholders and the Noosa community helps build
capacity to manage biosecurity matters across the shire.
3.3 What are invasive biosecurity matters?
The Qld Biosecurity Act 2014 identifies invasive species that are a threat to biodiversity, the
economy and the community. There are generally two types of biosecurity matters relevant to local
government jurisdiction:
Schedule 1 Prohibited matters: Invasive species that are a potential threat, most are not in
Queensland yet. 1 species has been recorded in Noosa Shire.
Schedule 2 Restricted matters: Invasive species found in Queensland. 45 species have been
recorded in Noosa Shire
For prohibited and restricted matter there are 7 different categories of management controls
depending on the listed species concerned. Biosecurity Queensland and Noosa Council have
certain jurisdiction with invasive plants and animals as shown in Table 1.
Red deer Cervus elaphus Photo: Queensland DAF
Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 5
Section 8
Management Biosecurity Biosecurity Noosa Council role
categories for obligation Queensland role
Schedule 1 & 2
listed species
1 Must be reported to Regulatory Refer to BQ
BQ within 24hrs Contain and
eradicate
2 Must be reported to Regulatory Regulatory
BQ or LGA within Reduce, control or Inform BQ
24hrs contain Reduce, control or
contain
3 Cannot be supplied Regulatory Regulatory
to another person or
released into the
environment
4 Cannot be moved so Regulatory Regulatory
as to avoid
spreading
5 No possession Regulatory Regulatory
allowed
6 Feeding not allowed Regulatory Regulatory
unless undertaking a
control program
7 Must be destroyed if Regulatory Refer to BQ
in possession
Table 1 Management categories for Schedule 1 & 2 invasive biosecurity matters. Council’s
regulatory role applies to management categories 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6
For local government jurisdiction there are 160 species alone identified in Schedule 2 of the
Biosecurity Act 2014 defined as ‘restricted matter’. In addition there are a large number of non-
scheduled invasive species that may be voluntarily managed by landowners. An invasive species
list is provided in Appendix 1 of this document.
3.4 Regulation
Queensland Biosecurity and Local Government Officers have powers under the Biosecurity Act
2014 to regulate biosecurity matters. In addition Council officers have powers under the Local
Government Act 2009. In the majority of situations Council officers are able to negotiate acceptable
solutions for landholders that have an obligation to manage biosecurity matters. Under certain
circumstances officers may take the following actions:
Enter land to inspect biosecurity matters
Issue and enforce a biosecurity order
Control a biosecurity matter and recover costs
3.5 Plan objectives
The development of the Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 is a requirement of the Biosecurity Act 2014
and is necessary to achieve the biodiversity and sustainable living outcomes of the Noosa
Environment Strategy 2020.
The Plan’s objective is to manage invasive plant and animal biosecurity risks to people,
biodiversity, and the local economy based on priorities and actions that are reasonable and
practical for all landowners.
Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 6
Section 9
3.6 Scope
The Plan applies to the Noosa local government area covering all public and private land. With
respect to public land the Plan applies to Queensland Government land such as National Park and
Council controlled land including bushland reserves and road reserves. With regard to private land,
Council plays an advocacy role in supporting landowners to identify and manage biosecurity risks
on their land. In some cases Council will collaborate with private landowners to implement actions
to manage priority biosecurity risks e.g. feral animal control.
Council plays a role in reporting Biosecurity matters to Biosecurity Queensland. Under the
Biosecurity Act 2014 Council is responsible for regulating Schedule 2 Invasive Biosecurity Matter-
Restricted plants, animals and one species of insect (see Appendix 1).
The Plan does not consider fauna species protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 that
can be a problem to some people. Examples include Flying-foxes, magpies, brush turkeys and
snakes. This Plan does not consider domestic or public health risks such as vermin, mosquitoes,
biting midges or cockroaches or pathogens of humans, domestic animals, livestock or plants.
3.7 Stakeholders
Stakeholders include Queensland Government agencies such as National Parks, Natural
Resources, Mines and Energy, Queensland Rail and Transport and Main Roads. Non-government
stakeholders include private landowners, catchment management associations, Landcare and
environment interest groups. Council has a close working relationship with bushland care
volunteers and private landowners involved with the Land for Wildlife and Voluntary Conservation
Agreement programs, also key stakeholders.
The Biosecurity Plan guides Council’s activities with biosecurity matters on Council controlled land.
Council may notify and work with private landowners and other government agencies to manage
biosecurity matters on their land.
4. Management approach
The most cost effective approach is to prevent invasive species from establishing within the shire.
If invasive species are not detected early and eradicated, then costly long term management is
required.
Case study: Early detection, reporting and eradication
Biosecurity Queensland, Noosa Council and landowners have been successful in
eradicating several potentially invasive species from the shire. Water mimosa Neptunia
oleracea, Senegalia spp., Madras thorn Pithecellobium dulce and Parthenium
Parthenium hysterophorus were reported to Council by landowners and were eradicated
through herbicide treatment and mechanical removal. Without early detection, reporting
and timely eradication there would have been significant impacts for landowners and
costly ongoing management.
Water mimosa Neptunia oleracea Photo: QLD DAF
Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 7
Section 10
4.1 Reporting and management response Reports of invasive species are provided through Council surveillance programs or from members of the public. The response from Council to landowners will depend on the species concerned and whether they are a scheduled species under the Biosecurity Act 2014 (see Figure 3 below). Figure 1. Decision tool for incoming reports of invasive species. 4.2 Shire wide priorities for Schedule 1&2 invasive species To guide Council invasive species management of scheduled species and targeted awareness raising programs an expert panel has assessed the risk and management feasibility of Schedule 1&2 invasive species that have been recorded in Noosa Shire previously. Note that all public and private landowners within Noosa Shire have a biosecurity obligation for all Schedule 1 & 2 invasive matters regardless of the prioritisation score. The risk assessment was based on current extent, risk to biodiversity, economy and people. The feasibility of control was also considered to provide a prioritisation for each Schedule 2 species. The prioritisation methodology is shown in Table 2. Criteria Score range Score Likelihood of establishment 1-5 Ecological impact 1-5 Economic impact 1-5 Community impact 1-5 Feasibility of management 1-10 actions Total prioritisation score Table 2 Prioritisation methodology (Methodology source: Gold Coast City Council Biosecurity Plan). Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 8
Section 11
The invasive species with their prioritisation score is further categorised into management
responses of prevention, eradication or containment. This is depicted in the generalised invasion
curve below. Note that actual on-ground actions for landowners will depend on the extent of
infestation.
Figure 2. Generalised invasion curve
Results of the risk assessment and management feasibility assessment are shown in Table 3.
Prevention (previously eradicated from Noosa Shire) Management Priority
Note: Any new invasive species that enter Noosa Shire are added to this list category
Water mimosa (Neptunia oleracea and N. Plena) 2,3,4,5 27
Madras thorn (Pithecellobium dulce) 2,3,4,5 23
Acacia (Senegalia spp.) (Schedule 1) 1 23
Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) 3 22
Management Priority
Eradication from Shire (feasible if sufficient resourcing) category
African fountain grass (Cenchrus setaceum) 3 22
Annual ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) 3 22
Bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotundifolia) 2,3,4,5 22
Chinee apple (Ziziphus mauritiana) 3 22
Fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) 3 21
Kahili ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum) 3 21
Yellow oleander, Captain Cook tree (Cascabela thevetia syn. Thevetia 21
peruviana 3
Creeping lantana (Lantana montevidensis) 3 20
Common pest pear, spiny pest pear (O.stricta syn. O. inermis) 3 17
Drooping tree pear (O. monocantha syn. O. vulgaris) 3 17
Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 9
Section 12
Containment (Eradication from Shire is unlikely) Management Priority Note: for small infestations or infestations that can be eradicated within 5 category years, eradication is more cost effective for landowners than ongoing containment. Plants Dutchman’s pipe (Aristolochia spp. other than native species) 3 23 African tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata) 3 22 Thunbergia (Thunbergia grandiflora syn. T. laurifolia) 3 22 Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) 3 22 Broad-leaf privet, tree privet (Ligustrum lucidum) 3 21 Broad-leaved pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) 3 21 Cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana) 3 20 Yellow bells (Tecoma stans) 3 20 Cat’s claw creeper (Dolichandra unguis-cati) 3 19 Singapore daisy (Sphagneticola trilobata syn. Wedelia trilobata) 3 17 Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia) 3 17 Groundsel bush (Baccharis halimifolia) 3 17 Lantana, common lantana (Lantana camara) 3 17 Asparagus fern (Asparagus aethiopicus, A. africanus and A. plumosus) 3 17 Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) 3 16 Balloon vine (Cardiospermum grandiflorum) 3 16 Small-leaf privet, Chinese privet (L. sinense) 3 15 Mother of millions hybrid (Bryophyllum x houghtonii) 3 15 Chinese celtis (Celtis sinensis) 3 15 American rat’s tail grass (Sporobolus jacquemontii) 3 15 Giant Parramatta grass (S. fertilis) 3 15 Giant rat’s tail grass (S. pyramidalis and S. natalensis) 3 15 Containment (Eradication from Shire is unlikely) Management Priority Note: for feral animals containment in this instance refers to reducing category populations to a manageable level. Animals Feral red deer (Cervus elaphus) 3,4,6 24 Dingo (Canis lupus dingo) 3,4,5,6 20 Dog (Canis lupus familiaris), other than a domestic dog 3,4,6 20 European fox (Vulpes vulpes) 3,4,5,6 19 Cat (Felis catus and Prionailurus bengalensis x Felis catus), other than a 19 domestic cat 3,4,6 Feral pig (Sus scrofa) 3,4,6 18 Table 3. Shire wide priorities for management of Schedule 1 & 2 invasive species that have been recorded in Noosa Shire. Note that all public and private landowners have a biosecurity obligation to manage all scheduled invasive species regardless of the prioritisation score. 4.3 Climate change Climate change is predicted to make significant changes to ecosystems, vegetation and habitat over time. Although it is likely there will be some ‘winners and losers’ as a consequence of climate change, the response of pest species is still a developing science. AdaptNRM provides tools and resources to help manage weeds under a changing climate https://adaptnrm.csiro.au/ Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 10
Section 13
5. Management methods
The method of management will depend on whether the purpose of invasive species control is to
prevent/mitigate threats to biodiversity, local economies or human health and also the extent of the
infestation.
5.1 Invasive plants
5.1.1 Property pest management plans
A property pest management plan can assist landowners where the extent of invasive species
requires management over several years. The nature of the property pest management plan will
depend on the desired outcomes, whether that be for example, improving agricultural productivity
or requiring ecological restoration. Private landowners my develop a property management plan as
a requirement under the Biosecurity Act 2014 or voluntarily through a Land for Wildlife or Nature
Refuge program where ecological restoration is the main objective.
Case study: Bushland Operational Assessments (BOAs)
Council uses a Bushland Operational Assessment (BOA) methodology to assess the condition
of its bushland reserves. Essentially a BOA spatially identifies the resilience of native vegetation
against various threats such as weeds, fire, disturbance and nutrients and its recovery potential.
Condition classes range from ‘Excellent resilience’ where full recovery is expected after natural
disturbance to ‘Nil resilience’ where significant reconstruction is required to bring the site back to
a natural condition. The BOAs are reviewed every 5 years to assess how the condition of the
bushland reserve has changed over time.
Figure 3. A BOA demonstrates how vegetation condition has changed over time through
ecological restoration works
2010
2016
Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 11
Section 14
5.1.2 Management techniques
For on-ground actions there are various methods to control invasive weeds as summarised in
Figure 4 and Table 4.
Figure 4 Integrated weed management (Source: Annie Klodd in IWM)
Each method of invasive plant control has advantages and disadvantages as tabled below.
Method Advantages Disadvantages Examples
Mechanical Targeted Can be labour intensive Groundsel at young
unless using machinery. growth stage
Still requires follow up with
other methods.
Cultural Can be cost effective Can be labour intensive To minimise spread
and high risk if not well avoid slashing Giant
managed (e.g. fire Rat Tail grass prior
management) to seeding.
Fire management.
Biological Once established self- Expensive, requires years Biological control of
sustainable of research, potential Lantana and
impacts to non-target Salvinia
species
Chemical Cost effective and can be Concerns from some Glyphosate and
targeted sectors of the community Metsulfuron to
over potential health control weeds
affects
Table 4 Advantages and disadvantages of various weed control methods. Steaming is another
method which can be suitable for the built environment.
Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 12
Section 15
5.1.3 Timing
To maximise management effectiveness different invasive species are controlled at different times.
For example certain plant species may best be controlled during growth stages or prior to
flowering. Table 5 below depicts the seasonal nature of managing invasive plant species.
Annual Planning Calender for Pest Plant Programs
Program January February March April May June July August September October November December
Groundsel
Fireweed
Giant Rat's Tail
Annual Ragweed
Lantana
Singapore Daisy
Salvinia
Broad leaved pepper
Yellow Bells
Chinese celtis
Small leaved privet
Mother of millions
Cat's Claw creeper
Madiera Vine
Camphor laurel
Hygrophila
Sagittaria
Thunbergia laurifolia
Bitou Bush
Cabomba
Activity type
Spraying
Cut & paint/ frill
Manual removal
Cut & paint & spraying
Table 5 Council calendar showing timing and techniques for some invasive plant species
Leucaena leucocephala is a fodder tree that has the potential to invade bushland in Noosa Shire.
Although not a scheduled species under the Biosecurity Act 2014 landowners are encouraged to
remove new incursions from their land. Photo: Qld DAF
Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 13
Section 16
5.2 Invasive animals
5.2.1 Management techniques
Invasive animals can be highly mobile, seeking out territories and searching for food and prey.
Different techniques are used to control invasive animals depending on the scale and location of
the issue. Methods are summarised in Table 6.
Method Advantages Disadvantages Examples
Trapping Targeted control Labour intensive, small Pig trapping
targeted areas only
Baiting Targeted control, no Concerns from some Wild dog, pig and fox
impact on native species sectors of the control
Cost effective community regarding
distress to feral animal
and non-target species
Shooting Targeted control Only where safe in rural Wild deer control
areas
Canid Pest Ejectors Targeted control Concerns from some Wild dog, foxes
(CPEs) sectors of the
community regarding
distress to feral animal
Den fumigation Targeted control Labour intensive Foxes
Fencing Complete exclusion Expensive to build and All feral species
maintain. Some species
damage or can climb
(foxes)
Shifts the problem
elsewhere
Guardian dogs, alpacas, Doesn’t require the use Can be expensive to Wild dogs
llamas and donkeys of poisons or firearms train, purchase and
maintain
Doesn’t reduce feral
animal numbers and
shifts the problem
elsewhere
Table 6 Advantages and disadvantages of various pest animal control methods
Case study: Common Myna Acridotheres tristis
The Common Myna was originally introduced to Australia from Asia to control agricultural
pests. The Common Myna is now widespread and is often seen in urban areas around Noosa.
There is concern that they outcompete native animals for food and nesting hollows.
Although the Myna is not a scheduled species under the Biosecurity Act 2014, Council has
been helping volunteers to reduce populations through a community trapping program.
Photo: Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 14
Section 17
5.2.2 Timing
To maximise management effectiveness pest animal control is undertaken subject to movement,
breeding and feeding patterns. For example foxes are controlled prior to turtle nesting. Table 7
below depicts the seasonal nature of invasive animal species management.
Table 7 Council calendar for invasive animal species management
Map 3 Noosa Koala Habitat Map
Case study: Research into wild dogs and koalas
Research has shown that wild dogs use bushland as a refuge and can significantly impact on koala
populations. Council and the University of Sunshine Coast have developed a proposal to expand
wild dog control efforts towards key koala habitat areas. This will not only help landowners but also
provide further protection to local koala populations.
Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 15
Section 18
5.3 Codes of Practice
Biosecurity management actions are guided by the following Codes of Practice, guidelines and
operating procedures.
Organisation Website Resources
Australian Pesticides and https://apvma.gov.au Use of herbicides
Veterinary Medicines Authority
(APVMA)
PestSmart http://www.pestsmart.org.au/a Standard operating
nimal-welfare/humane-codes/ procedures
Australian Government https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/abo Australian code for the care
ut-us/publications/australian- and use of animals for
code-care-and-use-animals- scientific purposes
scientific-purposes
Safe Work Australia https://www.safeworkaustralia. Material Safety data Sheets
gov.au/sds
DAF invasive species fact https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/bu Fact sheets
sheets and manuals siness-priorities/biosecurity
Australian Government https://www.environment.gov. Management of Weeds of
au/biodiversity/invasive/weeds National significance (WONS)
/management/index.html
Table 8 Biosecurity Code of Practice, guidelines, fact sheets and operating procedure
6. Information systems
6.1 Historic data and information
To better understand the distribution an abundance of invasive species across the shire previous
pest surveys and customer request data and information has been loaded onto a spatial mapping
layer. This provides a visualisation of invasive species presence across the shire and helps identify
areas that require follow up management actions for staff.
Broad-leaf privet (Ligustrum lucidum)
Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 16
Section 19
Map 4 shows invasive species records previously collected across the shire. Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 17
Section 20
6.2 Surveys
Council Pest Management Officers undertake inspections on urban and rural properties as part of
an ongoing program of biosecurity surveillance.
6.2.1 Pest survey program
The Biosecurity Act 2014 gives authority for Pest Management Officers to survey private property
and government land for invasive species. Each year four localities in rural areas are selected for
surveys. Repeat visits allow for an assessment of the effectiveness of implement actions to reduce
biosecurity threats.
6.2.2 Shire wide surveys
To further build knowledge on the distribution and abundance of invasive species Council has
developed a Shire wide random survey program. A randomised survey helps remove bias from the
collection of data which is often in areas of where people reside or travel (e.g. along roadways).
The survey covers both public and private land.
Map 5 Shire wide random survey design for invasive species. In this example 50 new sites are
randomly generated each year for the survey.
Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 18
Section 21
6.2.3 Targeted surveys
Targeted surveys help improve understanding of the distribution and abundance of invasive
species in specific areas such as high biodiversity value ecosystems. This information helps inform
priority management actions. Map 6 shows a random plot design for surveys within saltmarsh and
lowland rainforest which are Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs).
Map 6. Targeted random plot surveys within saltmarsh and lowland rainforest (Threatened
Ecological Communities (TECs))
Surveys can also be species specific. For example sand plot monitoring can be used to determine
the presence of dogs and foxes based on footprints left in sand plots.
Sand plot tracking for feral animals (Photo: PestSmart)
Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 19
Section 22
6.3 Data collection applications
6.3.1 ‘Collector App’-Council
Council utilises mobility devices and applications to better support staff in the field. Staff use tablets
or mobile phones with ‘Collector App’ to record invasive species presence and management
response. Sites are re-visited to assess the effectiveness of management controls over time.
Collector App can also be used for targeted citizen science projects to gather more data and
information from residents across the Shire.
Map 7. Use of a tablet ‘Collector App’ to collect on ground invasive species data
The Queensland Government Herbarium also has a ‘Weed Spotter App’ which provides a weed
identification service.
Singapore Daisy Sphagneticola trilobata Photo: Qld DAF
Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 20
Section 23
Figure 5 Queensland Government Weed Spotter App
7. Community engagement
Essential to the success of implementing biosecurity programs is strong community engagement.
The Noosa Biosecurity Plan is promoted through:
Community engagement processes during its development
Displays at public events
Updated websites with links to biosecurity resources
Utilising existing networks to promote the importance of managing biosecurity matters
8. Summary
The Noosa Biosecurity Plan provides Council and community with a framework to manage invasive
animals and plants in a practical and meaningful way. The Plan’s objective is to manage invasive
plant and animal biosecurity risks to people, biodiversity, and the local economy based on priorities
and actions that are practical for all landowners. To help achieve these objectives an
implementation Action Plan guides delivery over the next 5 years. Council appreciates efforts from
landowners and volunteers to help protect Noosa’s values from the threats of invasive plants and
animals.
Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 21
Section 24
9. Implementation Action Plan
Reference Action Success Responsibilities Timing Resourcing Status
indicator
1 Review Plan Plan review Council Annually Existing budget Commenced
Environment
Services
2 Regulate Schedule Compliance is Council As required Existing budget Ongoing
2 Invasive achieved by Environment
Biosecurity Matters landholders Services
as per Qld
Biosecurity Act
2014
3 Qld Government , Invasive Council As required Existing budget Ongoing
Council and private species are Environment
landowners work controlled Services and
collaboratively to through Qld private
manage targeted Government, landowners
biosecurity matters Council and
on their land private
landowner
collaboration
4 Undertake regular 4 rural localities Environment Quarterly Existing budget Ongoing
landholder surveys are surveyed Services
for biosecurity each quarter
matters and landholders
control invasive
species as
required
5 Improve knowledge 50 random plot Environment Annually New initiative- Not yet started
on the distribution survey Services Within existing
and abundance of resources
Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 22
Section 25
Reference Action Success Responsibilities Timing Resourcing Status
indicator
invasive species inspections per
across the shire year
6 Promote invasive New invasive Environment Events-each New initiative- Ongoing
species identified species are Services September Within existing
for prevention and prevented from Weed Busters resources
eradication to entering Noosa Week and
landowners Shire and Noosa Show
through: species Day
-Environmental identified for Council
events (Noosa eradication are website
Show, Festival of removed from update-March
Water) shire 2020
Council Website LfW promo-
-LfW and Bushcare quarterly
networks
-Other
organisations
(Country Noosa,
Landcare)
7 Update data and Council Environment December New initiative Not yet started
mapping on invasive Services 2020 $10,000
invasive species species subject to
based on historic mapping is budget
CRMs, DA reports, updated considerations
Ecological
Restoration Plans
and local
knowledge
8 Investigate Report to Environment June 2021 New initiative Not yet started
incentives/rebates Council Services Within existing
that that would resources
encourage
Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 23
Section 26
Reference Action Success Responsibilities Timing Resourcing Status
indicator
landowners to meet
biosecurity
obligations
9 Participate in SEQ Attendance at Environment Once every 4 Existing budget Ongoing
Pest Advisory forums Services months
Forum (SEQPAF)
and attend
meetings
10 Review wild dog Wild dog control Environment June 2020 USC work Commenced
control program in is undertaken in Services placement July 2019
relation to koala areas which program
habitat areas benefit both
landowners and
koalas
11 Contribute to Funds support Environment Annual $23,000 Ongoing
Biosecurity administration Services allocated per
Queensland Land and research annum
Protection Fund- into managing
On-ground works biosecurity
and research as a matters
requirement of the
Biosecurity Act
2014
Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 24
Section 27
10. Appendix 10.1 Invasive species list Biosecurity Act 2014 Schedule 1 Part 3 Invasive biosecurity matters-invasive plants acacias non-indigenous to Australia (Acaciella spp., Mariosousa spp., Senegalia spp. and Vachellia spp. other than Vachellia nilotica, Vachellia farnesiana) anchored water hyacinth (Eichhornia azurea) annual thunbergia (Thunbergia annua) bitterweed (Helenium amarum) candleberry myrtle (Morella faya) cholla cactus (Cylindropuntia spp. and hybrids other than C. fulgida, C. imbricata, C. prolifera, C. rosea, C. spinosior and C. tunicata) WONS Christ’s thorn (Ziziphus spina-christi) Eurasian water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) fanworts (Cabomba spp. other than C. caroliniana) floating water chestnuts (Trapa spp.) harrisia cactus (Harrisia spp. syn. Eriocereus spp. other than H. martinii, H. tortuosa and H. pomanensis syn. Cereus pomanensis) honey locust (Gleditsia spp. other than G. triacanthos) horsetails (Equisetum spp.) kochia (Bassia scoparia syn. Kochia scoparia) lagarosiphon (Lagarosiphon major) mesquites (all Prosopis spp. and hybrids other than P. glandulosa, P. pallida and P. velutina) WONS Mexican bean tree (all Cecropia spp. other than C. pachystachya, C. palmata and C. peltata) miconia (Miconia spp. other than M. calvescens, M. cionotricha, M. nervosa and M. racemosa) mikania (Mikania spp. other than M. micrantha) Peruvian primrose bush (Ludwigia peruviana) prickly pear (Opuntia spp. other than O. aurantiaca, O. elata, O. ficus-indica, O. microdasys, O. monacantha, O. stricta, O. streptacantha and O. tomentosa) red sesbania (Sesbania punicea) salvinias (Salvinia spp. other than S. molesta) WONS serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) WONS Siam weed (Chromolaena spp. other than C. odorata and C. squalida) spiked pepper (Piper aduncum) tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum) water soldiers (Stratiotes aloides) witch weeds (Striga spp. other than native species) Part 4 Invasive biosecurity matters-invasive animals All amphibians, mammals and reptiles other than the following— amphibians, mammals and reptiles that are restricted matter amphibians, mammals and reptiles indigenous to Australia, including marine mammals of the orders Cetacea, Pinnipedia and Sirenia alpaca (Lama pacos) Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 25
Section 28
asian house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) bison or American buffalo (Bison bison) black rat (Rattus rattus) camel (Camelus dromedarius) cane toad (Rhinella marina syn. Bufo marinus) cat (Felis catus and Prionailurus bengalensis x Felis catus) cattle (Bos spp.) chital (axis) deer (Axis axis) dog (Canis lupus familiaris) donkey (Equus asinus) European hare (Lepus europaeus) fallow deer (Dama dama) goat (Capra hircus) guanicoe (Lama guanicoe) guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) horse (Equus caballus) house mouse (Mus musculus) llama (Lama glama) mule (Equus caballus x Equus asinus) pig (Sus scrofa) red deer (Cervus elaphus) rusa deer (Rusa timorensis syn. Cervus timorensis) sewer rat (Rattus norvegicus) sheep (Ovis aries) water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Schedule 2 Invasive biosecurity matters-restricted matter and categories Grey highlight - Recorded in Noosa Shire. Yellow highlight – In adjoining Shire but not in Noosa yet WONS-Weeds of National Significance African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) WONS 3 African fountain grass (Cenchrus setaceum) 3 African tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata) 3 alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) WONS 3 annual ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) 3 asparagus fern (Asparagus aethiopicus, A. africanus and A. plumosus) 3 WONS asparagus fern (Asparagus scandens) WONS 3 athel pine (Tamarix aphylla) WONS 3 badhara bush (Gmelina elliptica) 3 balloon vine (Cardiospermum grandiflorum) 3 belly-ache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia and hybrids) WONS 3 bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotundifolia) WONS 2,3,4,5 blackberry (Rubus anglocandicans, Rubus fruticosus aggregate) WONS 3 boneseed (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. monilifera) WONS 2,3,4,5 bridal creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) 2,3,4,5 bridal veil (Asparagus declinatus) 3 broad-leaved pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) 3 Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 26
Section 29
cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana) WONS 3 camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) 3 candyleaf (Stevia ovata) 3 cane cactus (Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica) 3 cat’s claw creeper (Dolichandra unguis-cati) WONS 3 Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) WONS 3 chinee apple (Ziziphus mauritiana) 3 Chinese celtis (Celtis sinensis) 3 cholla cacti with the following names— • coral cactus (Cylindropuntia fulgida) 3 • devil’s rope pear (C. imbricata) 3 • Hudson pear (Cylindropuntia rosea and C. tunicata) 2,3,4,5 • jumping cholla (C. prolifera) 2,3,4,5 • snake cactus (C. spinosior) 3 Dutchman’s pipe (Aristolochia spp. other than native species) 3 elephant ear vine (Argyreia nervosa) 3 Eve’s pin cactus (Austrocylindropuntia subulata) 3 fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) WONS 3 flax-leaf broom (Genista linifolia) WONS 3 gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) WONS 3 giant sensitive plant (Mimosa diplotricha var. diplotricha) 3 gorse (Ulex europaeus) WONS 3 groundsel bush (Baccharis halimifolia) 3 harrisia cactus (Harrisia martinii, H. tortuosa and H. 3 pomanensis syn. Cereus pomanensis) harungana (Harungana madagascariensis) 3 honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos including cultivars and varieties) 3 hygrophila (Hygrophila costata) 3 hymenachne or olive hymenachne (Hymenachne amplexicaulis and 3 hybrids) WONS Koster’s curse (Clidemia hirta) 2,3,4,5 kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata syn. P. lobata, P. triloba other than 3 in the Torres Strait Islands) lantanas— • creeping lantana (Lantana montevidensis) 3 • lantana, common lantana (Lantana camara) WONS 3 limnocharis, yellow burrhead (Limnocharis flava) 2,3,4,5 Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia) WONS 3 Madras thorn (Pithecellobium dulce) 2,3,4,5 mesquites— • honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) WONS 3 • mesquite or algarroba (Prosopis pallida) WONS 3 • Quilpie mesquite (Prosopis velutina) WONS 3 Mexican bean tree (Cecropia pachystachya, C. palmata and C. peltata) 2,3,4,5 Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima) 2,3,4,5 miconia with the following names— • Miconia calvescens 2,3,4,5 • M. cionotricha 2,3,4,5 • M. nervosa 2,3,4,5 • M. racemosa 2,3,4,5 mikania vine (Mikania micrantha) 2,3,4,5 mimosa pigra (Mimosa pigra) WONS 2,3,4,5 Montpellier broom (Genista monspessulana) WONS 3 Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 27
Section 30
mother of millions (Bryophyllum delagoense syn. B. tubiflorum, Kalanchoe 3 delagoensis) mother of millions hybrid (Bryophyllum x houghtonii) 3 ornamental gingers— • Kahili ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum) 3 • white ginger (H. coronarium) 3 • yellow ginger (H. flavescens) 3 parkinsonia (Parkinsonia aculeata) WONS 3 parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) WONS 3 pond apple (Annona glabra) WONS 3 prickly acacia (Vachellia nilotica) WONS 3 prickly pears— • bunny ears (Opuntia microdasys) WONS 2,3,4,5 • common pest pear, spiny pest pear (O. stricta syn. O. inermis) WONS 3 • drooping tree pear (O. monacantha syn. O. vulgaris) WONS 3 • prickly pear (O. elata) WONS 2,3,4,5 • tiger pear (O. aurantiaca) WONS 3 • velvety tree pear (O. tomentosa) WONS 3 • Westwood pear (O. streptacantha) WONS 3 privets— • broad-leaf privet, tree privet (Ligustrum lucidum) 3 • small-leaf privet, Chinese privet (L. sinense) 3 rat’s tail grasses— • American rat’s tail grass (Sporobolus jacquemontii) 3 • giant Parramatta grass (S. fertilis) 3 • giant rat’s tail grass (S. pyramidalis and S. natalensis) 3 rubber vines— • ornamental rubber vine (Cryptostegia madagascariensis) 3 • rubber vine (C. grandiflora) WONS 3 sagittaria (Sagittaria platyphylla) WONS 3 salvinia (Salvinia molesta) WONS 3 Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) WONS 3 Senegal tea (Gymnocoronis spilanthoides) 3 Siam weed with the following names— • Chromolaena odorata 3 • C. squalida 3 sicklepods— • foetid cassia (Senna tora) 3 • hairy cassia (S. hirsuta) 3 • sicklepod (S. obtusifolia) 3 silver-leaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium) 3 Singapore daisy (Sphagneticola trilobata syn. Wedelia trilobata) 3 telegraph weed (Heterotheca grandiflora) 3 thunbergia (Thunbergia grandiflora syn. T. laurifolia) 3 tobacco weed (Elephantopus mollis) 3 water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) WONS 3 water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) 3 water mimosa (Neptunia oleracea and N. Plena) 2,3,4,5 willows (all Salix spp. other than S. 3 babylonica, S. x calodendron and S. x reichardtii) WONS yellow bells (Tecoma stans) 3 yellow oleander, Captain Cook tree (Cascabela thevetia syn. Thevetia 3 peruviana) Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 28
Section 31
Invasive animals barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) 2,3,4,5,6 blackbuck antelope (Antilope cervicapra) 2,3,4,5,6 cat (Felis catus and Prionailurus bengalensis x Felis catus), other than a 3,4,6 domestic cat dingo (Canis lupus dingo) 3,4,5,6 dog (Canis lupus familiaris), other than a domestic dog 3,4,6 European fox (Vulpes vulpes) 3,4,5,6 European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) 3,4,5,6 feral chital (axis) deer (Axis axis) 3,4,6 feral fallow deer (Dama dama) 3,4,6 feral goat (Capra hircus) 3,4,6 feral pig (Sus scrofa) 3,4,6 feral red deer (Cervus elaphus) 3,4,6 hog deer (Axis porcinus) 2,3,4,5,6 red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) 2,3,4,5,6 feral rusa deer (Rusa timorensis, syn. Cervus timorensis) 3,4,6 sambar deer (Rusa unicolor, syn. Cervus unicolor) 2,3,4,5,6 Tramp ants yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) 3 Non-scheduled invasive species (mostly environmental weeds): There are hundreds of invasive species in Noosa Shire that are not scheduled under the Biosecurity Act 2014. Some examples are shown below. Source: Noosa’s Worst Weeds, Noosa Integrated Catchment Association (NICA) Common name Scientific name Archer axillaris Macrotyloma axillare var. axillare Cadaghi Corymbia torrelliana Cocus palm Syragrus romanzoffiana Duranta Duranta repens Easter cassia Senna pendula var glabrata Fishbone fren Nephrolepis cordifolia Gloriosa Lily Gloriosa superba Glycine Neonotonia wightii Impatiens Impatiens spp. Mickey mouse plant Ochna serrulata Mile-a-minute Ipomoea cirica Morning glory Ipomoea indica Seteria Setaria sphacelate Silver-leaved Desmodium Desmodium uncinatum Siratro Macroptilium atropurpureum Slash pine Pinus spp. Umbrella tree Schefflera actinophylla Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 29
Section 32
10.2 Useful websites on invasive species
Biosecurity Qld fact sheets https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/biosecurity
Marcus Beach Bushland Association https://mbba.org.au/our-worst-weeds/
Noosa & District Landcare https://noosalandcare.org/
Noosa Council https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/weed-management
Noosa Council https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/pest-animals
Noosa Parks Association-Botany Group https://noosaparks.org.au/botany-group/
Noosa Native Plants http://noosasnativeplants.com.au
Qld Government Weed Spotters Network
https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/plants/herbarium/weeds/weed-spotters
Weed Society of Qld, http://www.wsq.org.au/
Weeds of the Sunshine Coast https://noosariver.com.au/weeds-of-the-sunshine-coast/
Bitou bush Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. Rotundifoli
Photo: Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 Page 30