NOOSA BIOSECURITY PLAN 2026-2031 · Attachment 3 - Biosecurity Plan 2026 - Communications and Engagement Plan

Key messages
  •   Protecting Noosa’s nature starts with preventing invasive species.
          o The Draft Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2026 sets out how invasive plants and animals will
             be managed across public and private land in Noosa Shire, in line with the
             Queensland Biosecurity Act 2014.
          o It provides a practical, risk‑based framework to prevent, eradicate, contain and
             reduce the impacts of invasive species.
          o The plan applies to everyone including Council, government agencies, landholders,
             businesses, community groups and residents.
  •   We all have a role in biosecurity – at home, on farms, and in our bushland.
          o Invasive plants and animals are one of the major threats to Noosa’s biodiversity,
             waterways, agriculture, amenity and community wellbeing.
          o Species such as cat’s claw creeper, feral pigs, wild dogs, foxes, deer, Singapore daisy
             and Madeira vine can degrade habitats, impact threatened species, spread disease,
             cause erosion, damage crops, and increase land management costs.
          o Noosa has over 185 species of conservation significance, and more than 55% native
             vegetation cover, making proactive biosecurity essential for protecting what the
             community values.
  •   Some weeds and pests are spreading faster with climate change – help us stay ahead.
          o A regenerative, ecosystem‑focused approach, recognising that some naturalised
             species provide interim ecological functions and that removal must be done carefully
             to avoid unintended damage.
          o A shire‑wide risk assessment that prioritises species based on risk, feasibility of
             management and cost‑effectiveness.
          o Expanded use of AI, detection cameras, drones, and citizen science apps (WeedScan,
             iNaturalist, FeralScan).
          o New emphasis on climate‑driven biosecurity threats, recognising that warming
             conditions will shift species distributions.
          o A clearer framework for Prevention, Eradication, Containment and Asset Protection
             strategies for different species.
  •   Early detection saves money, protects wildlife and avoids environmental damage.
          o Emerging risks such as fire ants and tropical weed species moving south with climate
             change.
          o Damage from feral pigs, foxes, deer, and wild dogs to farms, native wildlife, and
             sensitive habitats.
          o Increasing pressure at the urban‑bushland interface, where garden escapees invade
             natural areas.
          o Aquatic weeds (e.g., Salvinia, Cabomba) disrupting waterways and recreation.
  •   Your feedback will shape how we manage pests and support landholders for years to come.
          o Input will help refine priorities, ensuring they reflect community values and local
             experience.
          o Feedback will shape how Council supports landholders, including education,
             incentives, and tools.
          o Community insights help identify emerging species, local hotspots, and practical
             barriers to implementation.