MURWEH SHIRE COUNCIL PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN 2005-2009 5
Table Of Contents Executive Summary...7 Council's Mission...7 Introduction...7 Administration...8 Achievements of the Previous Plan...9 Background...9 Consultation...10 Legislation...10 Desired Outcomes...11 Desired Outcome No. 1 Education, Awareness and Extension...11 Desired Outcome No. 2 Partnerships, Commitment, Support, Complience and Enforcement...12 Desired Outcome No. 3 - Research, Training, Implementation, Communication, Biology and impacts, Community and social attitudes...13 Desired Outcome No. 4 Integrated Control...14 Desired Outcome No. 5 - Inspection, Implementation and Community Education...14 Desired Outcome No. 6 - Research, Partnerships, Protocols and Monitoring and evaluation...15 Priority Pest and Weed Species in Murweh Shire...16 Priority Weed Species Plan...17 Parthenium...17 Mesquite...18 Parkinsonia...18 Prickly Acacia...18 Rubber vine/ Rubbervine/Mother of Millions...19 African Boxthorn / Mimosa Noogoora Burr/ Bathurst Burr/ Saffron Thistle...19 Tree Pear/Prickly Pear...19 African Love Grass and Grader grass...19 Priority Animal Species Plan...20 Wild Dogs...20 Pigs...20 Rabbits/ Foxes/ Goats/Cats...20 Locusts/ fire ants...21 Declared Plants Works Control Programs...22 Declared Plants Control Priority 1: Works Program...22 Supporting Actions:...22 Declared Plants Control Priority 2: Works Program...23 Supporting Actions:...23 Declared Plants Control Priority 3: Works Control Program...24 Supporting Actions...24 Declared Plants Control Priority 4: Works Control Program...24 Supporting Actions...24 Declared Animal Pest Works Control Program...25 Supporting Actions...25 Conclusion...26 6
Executive Summary This Pest Management Plan will clearly detail the course of action the Murweh Shire Council intends to take over the next four (4) years (2005-2009) with regard to the control of declared plants and animal pests. Itill prioritise resources to ensure that time and money is spent on those pests where work will be most strategic, increase public awareness, stakeholder partnerships, is economically viable and ensure all stakeholders are achieving positive pest management outcomes. This plan has been developed to communicate and coordinate the management of pest impacts, while fulfilling the requirements under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 Council's Mission To provide effective services and infrastructure to meet the needs of the Murweh community and encourage development, working with the Community to achieve a better future. Introduction The Murweh Shire covers 43,905,000 square kilometres and is serviced by three towns - namely Charleville, Augathella, Morven (and the township of Cooladdi). It contains 1,020 kilometres of Stock Routes, of which 460 are Primary routes and 532 are secondary routes, with approximately 287 properties. The Murweh Shire lies in a semi-arid zone, with climates ranging on average from 15 degrees celsius up to 37 degrees celsius during the summer months, and in the winter month s, temperatures range from 3 to 25 degrees. The Shire is situated on the Great Artesian Basin. 7
Administration This details how the control of Plant and Animal Pests within the whole of the Murweh Shire will be carried out, while continuing to support and promote State Government and Landholders Weed Control Programs under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 Administration is a critical aspect of any planning process and it will assist with the overall coordination and includes the following considerations:- Plan review/evaluation, mapping, resources, and training, monitoring and compliance/ enforcement procedures. This Pest Management Plan will be reviewed annually (budget) and a shire working group will evaluate it every three years to ensure objectives are achieved. Mapping is required for any pest species so that control strategies can be developed. These can range from hand drawn diagrams to maps produced by a Geographical Information System (GIS program pest info) and the information can analyse by other stakeholders. Table 1 Murweh Shire Council provides the following resources to allow for Pest and Stock Route Management. RESOURCE QUANTITY WEED CONTROL ANIMAL CONTROL Human Stock Route Officer, Council Officer(s) common Rangers Vehicle 4 x 4 1 HF & UHF Radios 1 each 4 x 4 Motorbike 1 Quik Spray Unit 1 Spray Pack 3 Spray Wand 1 Electric Mixer 1 Generator 1 Baiting Gear 223 Calibre Rifle 1 Computer 1 Chemical used in weed management: AF300: Mother Of Millions, Bathurst & Noogoora Burr, Parthenium Atrazine: Parthenium Grazon DS: Rubber Vine Access: Quilpie Mesquite, Prickly Acacia, Parkinsonia Glyphosate: Prickly Pear, Tree Pear Graslan: Mimosa All chemicals are used to manufacturers recommended applications. * represents when used 8
Achievements of the Previous Plan During the life span of the previous Pest Management Plan, the following achievements were realised: 95% of the Rubber Vine infestation in the Warrego River has been destroyed. Areas of Parthenium Weed have been eradicated. All major highways have been cleaned up of Prickly Acacia with only seedlings coming from transports to be controlled. Large areas of Mimosa have been destroyed on Stock Routes and Reserves. Murweh Shire Baiting Programs (wild dogs) conducted twice yearly. Aerial baiting (wild dogs) of the Barrier Fence once a year. Support Dingo/Wild Dog Syndicates. Delivery of a successful awareness program, with macropod and wild game harvesters Spreading of Parthenium Weed Background The Murweh Shire, like most shires in Western Queensland has been vulnerable, over time to the introduction of exotic plants and feral animals. Murweh is fortunate in that infestations of weeds in most areas are controllable, but the potential for sudden change is there, due to recent climatic conditions and shipments of large amounts of fodder and stockfeed from outside the area with weed problems. With the Memorandum of Understanding for Wild Dog Control, a more strategic approach is being taken to the control of feral animal species in the Shire, but the potential threat exists that feral populations have the ability to recuperate under the right conditions. This plan demonstrates how Murweh Shire Council proposes to prevent the spread of, and contain, control weeds and pest animals through locally achievable outcomes. These outcomes will be achieved by allocating and identifying Awareness, Control, and Containment tasks to responsible organisations and partners within the shire, identifying a realistic time frame and resources required. The shire believes that this plan will result in better utilisation of available resources and give ownership of the pest management process to the local council and the community. 9
Consultation This Area Pest Management Plan was developed by representatives of government and nongovernment, industry and community members. The plan has been on public display for 28 days and all submissions from the public have been considered and where fitting included in this plan. The members of the working group are: Working Group Members Representative Mark OBrien Chris Blanch Kerry Graham Sarah Jane Wilson David Adcock Nick Swadling Steve Peck Rob Cobon John Targett Ben Lynes Greg Moffat Floyd Robinson Mick McNiven Mr R. Quinlan Mr Ken Hiscock Representing Mayor Murweh Shire CEO Murweh Shire EHO QSC DPI (vet) District Inspector of Stock Ranger - QPWS Resource Ranger - QPWS LPO DNR&M LG NRM Support Officer SWNRM (facilitator) Vegetation Biodiversity Officer - SWNRM Murweh Stock Routes Officer Traditional Owner - Bidjara Indigenous Landcare Officer - SWNRM Community Representative (Landholder) Community Representative (Landholder) Legislation Legislation that local governments may need to consider includes: The Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 provides for the control of major pest plants and animals and the management of stock routes throughout Queensland; Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (QLD)(e.g. indigenous community consultation) Environmental Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 2000 (FED) (e.g. Protection of environmentally sensitive lands) Integrated Planning Act 1997 (QLD) (e.g. development controls to meet desired environmental outcomes) Local Government Act 1993 (QLD) (e.g. Appointment of Authorised Officers stock route managers & administration) Vegetation Management Act 1999 (Qld) (e.g. clearing native vegetation to control rubber vine) Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld) (e.g. control of wild doges) Water Act 2001 (Qld) (e.g. clearing vegetation in watercourses) Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld) (e.g. environmental duty of care, considering contamination when managing pests) Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 (Qld) and the Land Title Act 1994 (Qld) (e.g. managing road reserves that extend beyond identified state-controlled roads) Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (Qld) (e.g. providing seized pest animals with appropriate food, shelter, and water) Queensland Heritage Act 1992 (Qld) (e.g. managing pests in areas of cultural heritage) Soil Conservation Act 1986 (Qld) (e.g. using non-invasive species to minimise soil loss) Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Queensland) Act 1994 & Health Act 1937 (Qld) (e.g. using pesticides appropriately).workplace Health and Safety Act 1992 (QLD) (Safe Work Practices) 10
Desired Outcomes Desired Outcome No. 1 Education, Awareness and Extension Strategy Objective: - To continually raise community awareness of pest impacts, identification techniques and management techniques. Education Strategic Actions Utilise and expand existing extension/promotional material Develop local fact sheets for Shire specific pests Success Indicators NRM web site utilisation Keep existing resources available to the public and numbers distributed by local authorities Hard copies of weed and pest animal information available to stakeholders through outlets such as Charleville, Morven and Augethella library, shire tourist information centres, caravan parks and motels, shops, schools. NRM web site utilisation Awareness Work with schools and educational establishments to raise awareness of pest issues in the community Information sessions delivered to the local schools Extension Information sharing /dissemination Access information and skills from Regional NRM Body (SWNRM) In partnership with SWNRM display information at Charleville, Morven and Augathella shows etc Provide regular updates in the media, radio, paper In partnership with SWNRM hold regular field days to increase methodology, participation, planning and implementation 11
Desired Outcome No. 2 Partnerships, Commitment, Support, Complience and Enforcement Strategy Objective: - To obtain and advance commitment from all stakeholders to identify, treat and eventually eradicate plant and animal pest species with the shire. Issue catagory Strategic Actions Success Indicators Partnerships Developing and maintaining partnerships with information and funding bodies and organisations relationships Commitment And Support Compliance and Enforcement Strengthen stakeholder partnerships Council will continue subsidising chemical to landholders treating pest species Council contribute towards the cost of maintaining the wild dog barrier fence For council to continue to provide assistance and support to landholders with isolated and infestations of identified weeds Seek agreements and undertakings from land managers shire wide to continue pest management on their land Council to revise current list of declared weeds and animals under local law Council to authorise pest management officer under the new Land Protection Act 2003 Council to create a register of enforcement activities (section 86(1)) Meet periodically with government and Regional NRM Body to foster Increased contributions from state agencies, regional NRM bodies and community Budget commitment to maintain the subsidies Budget commitment to continue funding maintenance of barrier fence Eradication of scattered infestations Reduction of core infestations Continual minimisation of pests numbers Animal list to reflect new legislation and priorities in Shire Established roles and responsibilities for each stakeholder Pest management officer is authorised Register established 12
Desired Outcome No. 3 - Research, Training, Implementation, Communication, Biology and impacts, Community and social attitudes Strategy Objectives: - up to date research/trial data available, and used in planning, including local knowledge to implement Current Recommended Practices (CRP) for pest control. Issue Category Strategic Actions Success Indicators Research Identify and access sources of scientific data for pest weeds and animals Establish Utilise technology to access up to date information Promote partnerships with national and state research establishments and Regional NRM Body (SWNRM) Accurate and up to date data and pest mapping available to region Training Implementation Communication Biology and impacts Community and social attitudes Support training and use of ArcVeiw Support training and use of PestInfo Implement adaptive management techniques Maintain work related contacts and networks Pest management projects are identified in a timely manner based on factual data Stakeholders have a good knowledge of pest biology and impacts Maintain related contacts and networks identify resources for capacity building in participation and pest management Promote the economic effects and impacts effects of pests and the positive outcomes of pest management to the entire community including urban areas Access State government information sources to regularly update regional information SRLO & relevant Shire personnel s participation in local government training workshops, conferences and forums, and State governments legislation updates Adaptive management techniques and methodology adopted by Landholders and stakeholders within the shire increased communication and information exchange networks with regional stakeholders Reduced pest species distribution (ie mapping) Community supportive of pest management plans and implementation activities increased communication and information exchange networks with regional stakeholders Improved efficiencies towards pest management Increased understanding and involvement in pest management and control by both the urban and rural community 13
Desired Outcome No. 4 Integrated Control Strategy Objectives:-. Foster commitment from all stakeholders in achieving the direction of the pest management plan over the plan period. Issue Category Strategic Actions Success Indicators Integrated control Set the direction for weed management Agreed stakeholder approach to pest and weed management Maintain assistance to Landholders Reduction in weed infestation areas Treat core infestations where economically viable and accessible Actively reduce the incidence of Set the directions for animal pest management emerging weeds Maintain current level of budget contribution to barrier fence maintenance Maintain a bounty of dingo scalps Adopt the concept of the wild dog MOU Maintain supported baiting programs Promote continuation of ancillary support to the wild game harvesting industry Desired Outcome No. 5 - Inspection, Implementation and Community Education Strategy Objectives: - Monitor and treat new pest appearances to prevent establishment in the shire as soon as it is identified. Issue catagory Strategic Actions Success Indicators Inspection Identify and establish detailed inspection schedule to for early detection of emerging and potential threats Inspect land for emerging pests Early reporting of emerging and potential pests Established approved pest and weed inspection programs in place Implementation Community education Treatment of any threatening /emerging pest Provide information about possible threats to the shire Treat threat/emergent pest as soon as is practicable Communicate relevant information on emerging pest and weeds to the community 14
Desired Outcome No. 6 - Research, Partnerships, Protocols and Monitoring and evaluation Strategy Objectives:- detail the methodologies that will be adopted to deal with current and future infestations of pests Issue Category Strategic Actions Success Indicators Research Identify environmental and socioeconomic costs of weeds to shire stakeholders Community Awareness of the cost to production and environment of weed and pest infestations Partnerships protocol Monitoring and evaluation Stakeholder & partnership development of integrated programme for management and control of pests and weeds Establish list of appropriate services for assistance and advice Establish local pest and weed inspection protocols Evaluate current recommended practices Stakeholder agreement on implementation programme Partners able to access to up to date data, and mapping information and control methodologies Established partnerships with relevant NRM organisations, Department NR&M, AQIS, DPI, SWNRM Approved Local Government Pest inspection programs Consider cost benefit analysis 15
Priority Pest and Weed Species in Murweh Shire ANIMAL PEST SPECIES Common Name Priority rating Murweh Distribution Strategy Target 4yrs Declaration statu s Wild Dog 1 Shire High Reduction Class 2 Pig 2 Containment Cat Fox 3 via integrated control Rabbit Homestead and scattered Locusts Drainage systems Reduction Goat 4 Broad Management Fire Ant 1 Not present Awareness DPI&F PEST WEED SPECIES Parthenium weed 1 Isolated Prevention Class 2 Mother of Millions 1 Infestations across shire Reduction Mesquite 1 Isolated Eradication of Parkinsonia 1 Warrego River and Properties seeding plants Prickly Acacia 2 Roadsign outbreaks Rubbervine 2 Warrego River African Boxthorn 3 Townships and commons Reduction Alligator weed 3 Not known in shire Awareness Class 1 historical data of presence at Charleville resident Prickly Pear/Tree Pear 4 Broad Strategic Class 2 African Lovegrass 3 Roadside and townships Awareness Not Noogoora Burr 5 Broad Strategic and declared Bathurst Burr 5 Seasonal & roadside pasture Saffron thisle 5 management Mimosa 5 Broad Stock Routes 16
Priority Weed Species Plan Parthenium Prevent the further introduction of Parthenium into the shire and stop spread into un-infested areas by effective management via partnership support Actions Who Action Priority Integrated control approach is promoted based on sound management All, DPI&F 1 practices Communication and partnerships are maintained with adjoining Shire s MSC 1 to assist with strategic control support is maintained and provided to landholders with known MSC 2 infestations including labour assistance, herbicide, control advice, equipment Shire maps are maintained on roadside outbreaks and property MSC 3 infestations Weed seed spread vectors are identified and washdown protocols are MSC 2 implemented when required The Qld Weed Strategy is supported and promoted at a local level MSC 3 Industry develops preventative protocols for limiting the risk of Agforce, Mines, MWGH, 1 introduction including the use of washdown facilities across Queensland (ie Property hygiene, risk assessments, identification education) Tourists, MSC Feedback is provided to Statewide protocols relating to weed seed MSC, NRM, SWNRM 2 spread initiatives Proactive landholder groups, landcare groups are encouraged to adopt All 2 best practice pest management with the use of an incentive scehme Landholder and /or partnership control successes are promoted as case All 1 studies as an educational/ commitment tool Rapid response control capabilities maybe required to conduct MSC 4 emergency control on outbreaks Media awareness is conducted by stakeholders All 1 Awareness events like Weedbuster Week, Shows, field days are All 2 supported and school visits are incorporated Catchment roadsign awareness initiatives are supported and All 4 developed by stakeholders Pest impact and control information is available at tourist information MSC 4 centres The Charleville and other washdown facilities are maintained and MSC 1 promoted for the use of the communities In partnerships with all local authorities utilise existing weed brochures and pest extension material to promote the fact that these plants pose a Socio- economic threat as well as an environmental NR&M, MSC, Main Roads, QRail, SWNRM & Landholders 1 Only when and if people are still unwilling to control and eradicate Class 1 and 2 plants through the use of incentives programmes such as Futurescapes and Planscapes, use complience powers under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 Implement enforcement action following non compliance of Incentives/partnership control program Public awareness programme that targets the impacts, identification, and potential mechanisms for weed seed to spread MSC 4 MSC 5 MSC, NRM, SWNRM, EPA, Main Roads, Q Rail 1 17
Mesquite Actions Who Action Priority Pest Officer monitors, maps, conducts inspections and coordinates control MSC 1 EPA conducts regular surveys of Tregole National Park Area for weed EPA 1 spread Awareness days are held to identify mesquite and other weeds All 2 Awareness material is distributed at these locations to highlight the NR&M, MSC, 3 potential of mesquite and the need for early detection SWNRM Drovers are aware of declared woody weeds and their identification and MSC 1 their risk of spread with travelling stock Stakeholders are aware of the Qld mesquite strategy and support provided MSC, NRM 3 for strategic control Stakeholders have the option to visit the Quilpie Mesquite Project and All 4 observe impacts Enforcement procedures are implemented on landholders not assisting partnership approach MSC 5 Parkinsonia Actions Who Action Priority Pest Officer monitors, maps, conducts inspections and coordinates control MSC 1 EPA conducts regular surveys of National Park Areas for weed spread EPA 1 Awareness days are held to identify Woody Weed All 2 Awareness material is distributed at priority locations NR&M, MSC, 3 SWNRM Drovers are aware of declared woody weeds and their identification and MSC 1 their risk of spread with travelling stock Stakeholders are aware of the State Parkinsonia strategy and support MSC, NRM, 3 provided for strategic control Enforcement procedures are implemented on landholders not assisting partnership approach SWNRM MSC 5 Prickly Acacia Actions Who Action Priority Pest Officer monitors, maps, conducts inspections and coordinates control MSC 1 EPA conducts regular surveys of National Park Areas for weed spread EPA 1 Awareness materials are distributed at priority locations to highlight the NR&M, MSC, 3 potential of woody weeds and the need for early detection SWNRM Drovers are aware of declared woody weeds and their identification and MSC 1 their risk of spread with travelling stock Stakeholders are aware of the state and national strategy and support MSC, NRM 3 provided for strategic control Enforcement procedures are implemented on landholders not assisting partnership approach MSC 5 18
Rubber vine/ Rubbervine/Mother of Millions Actions Who Action Priority Pest Officer monitors, maps, conducts inspections and coordinates control MSC 1 EPA conducts regular surveys of National Park Areas EPA 1 Awareness days are held to identify weeds All 2 Awareness material is distributed at these locations to highlight the potential of mesquite and the need for early detection Drovers are aware of declared woody weeds and their identification and their risk of spread with travelling stock Stakeholders are aware of the Qld mesquite strategy and support provided for strategic control NR&M, MSC, SWNRM 3 MSC 1 MSC, NRM 3 Enforcement procedures are implemented on landholders not assisting partnership approach MSC 5 African Boxthorn / Mimosa Noogoora Burr/ Bathurst Burr/ Saffron Thistle Actions Who Action Priority Mapping of infestations Inspections of river systems, roads and reserves MSC 1 Chemical control of scattered infestations roadsides and reserves Use biological control (rust) on dense infestations of Noogoora Burr and Bathurst Burr Chemical Control roadsides and reserves for burrs and saffron thistle MSC, 2 Main Roads, EPA All 2 NR&M, MSC, 2 Tree Pear/Prickly Pear Actions Who Action Priority Mapping of infestations Inspections of river systems, roads and reserves NR&M, 1 EPA, MSC, Main Roads & Landholders Chemical control of scattered Tree Pear and Prickly Pear infestations on MSC, Main 2 roadsides and reserves Roads, EPA Use biological control (cactoblastis) on dense infestations of prickly pear All 2 Investigate effective chemical control methods for herbicide for Prickly and Tree Pear control Alan Fletcher Research Station African Love Grass and Grader grass Actions Who Action Priority Encourage reporting of new outbreaks and infestation by landholders (in NR&M, 1 town) Contain and Control any spread with herbicide MSC, Main Roads & Landholders 2 19
Priority Animal Species Plan Wild Dogs Actions Who Action Priority 1 Implement responsibilities under The wild dog MOU NR&M, EPA, Liase with Barrier Fence staff to improve effectiveness MSC, SWNRM Advertise coordinated baiting programs and contact names and numbers of baiting groups & Landhold ers Conduct two Murweh Shire 1080 baiting programs April/November; Continue with the aerial baiting both sides of the barrier fence jointly with Department of Natural Resources and Mines; Carry out monitoring of the barrier fence before and after the aerial baiting; Support State Government legislation and programs; Community awareness of bait laying, ariel baiting programs and visible signage of baited areas, including stockroutes Maintain all records; Mapping of properties using 1080, and other methods; Council to continue its contribution to the wild dog barrier fence Use local Control Groups to delivery a network for local control programs. Pigs Actions Who Action Priority Conduct two Murweh Shire 1080 baiting programs April/November; 1 Continue with the aerial baiting jointly with Department NR&M, of Natural Resources and Mines; EPA, MSC, SWNRM, Support State Government legislation and programs; Main Roads Awareness on bait laying programs; Maintain all records; Mapping of properties using 1080, and other methods; & Landholders Use local Control Groups to delivery a network for local control programs. Rabbits/ Foxes/ Goats/Cats Actions Who Action Priority Use media releases / displays to promote control methods 3 Liaise with public concerned and assist in implementing control programs NR&M, EPA, MSC, Inspect problem areas (High School) and follow up with inspections after control SWNRM, Use Pindone for eradication (High School) and only on school holidays and consulting with relevant Departments. Release myxomatosis and calici-virus biocontrols if required Main Roads & Landholders use factory baits for foxes and cats 20
Locusts/ fire ants Actions Who Action Priority Establish a locusts, fire ants, outbreak and control programmes NR&M, 2 Inform Shire personnel, Workshop Foreman, Parks and Gardens Foreman of the EPA, MSC, problem DPI&F, Notify Stock Route Supervisor of any ants coming from crates, cartons or pallets; Main Roads & Control any small Locust out breaks Landholders Notify Department of Natural Resources and Mines 07 4654 2476. 21
Declared Plants Works Control Programs Declared Plants Control Priority 1: Works Program July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June Parthenium monitoring and treatment as required Rubber Periodic monitoring and treatment as required Vine Parkinsonia Periodic monitoring and treatment as required Prickly Chemical application Acacia Alligator Periodic monitoring and treatment as required Weed Quilpie Continuous monitoring, and treatment as required Mesquite Supporting Actions: Strategy Action By Whom Outcome Detailed inspections of all existing areas as well as new infestations. Map any new infestations. Liaise with landholders and provide advice. Spray, when required, cut and bag any flowering plants and destroy. Stock route supervisor Main Roads Q-Rail Stock Route Supervisor and staff. Sign any new outbreaks. Murweh Shire Council. NR&M SWNRM To totally eradicate all areas of all weeds. Follow up and maintain inspections. Promote the use of the wash down bay. Promote awareness programs both to rural and urban landholders. Follow up inspections. Signs provided by DNR placed on highways. Stock Route Supervisor NR & M. Increased awareness & the ability to identify Parthenium. Displays, posters. SWNRM, NR&M, MSC Assist in types of control. Keep records of all works performed. 22
Declared Plants Control Priority 2: Works Program July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June Mother of Millions Monitoring and treatment as required African Boxthorn Monitoring and treatment as required Mimosa Monitoring and treatment as required Supporting Actions: Strategy Action By Whom Outcome Check all infestations and continue control along road sides and water courses. Basal spray all seedlings. Stock Route Supervisor & staff Main Roads Destroy all plants and seedlings. Follow up inspections. Keep records of all works performed. Promote use of wash down bay. Place signage on highways. Murweh Shire Council To help reduce the spread of seeds. Check on all infestations on private land in town area. Notify landholders. Stock Route Supervisor Eradicate all plants. 23
Declared Plants Control Priority 3: Works Control Program July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June Mother of Millions Monitoring and treatment as required African Boxthor n Monitoring and treatment as required Mimosa Monitoring and treatment as required Supporting Actions Strategy Action By Whom Outcome Inspection of infected areas Reduce infestations. Use biological control where possible. Liaise and advise with landholders. Basal spray all plants. Control seedlings by fire. Use cut stump stem injection treatment on the pear. Spray road side gullies. Stock Route Supervisor and staff. Main Roads NR&M Destroy all plants and seedlings by fire. Greatly reduce pear infestations. Follow up inspections. Keep records of all work performed. / Declared Plants Control Priority 4: Works Control Program Grader Grass African Love Grass July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June Periodic monitoring, and treatment as required Periodic monitoring, and treatment as required Supporting Actions Strategy Action By Whom Outcome Watch for outbreaks in the Shire. Contain and Control any spread with herbicide Stock Route Supervisor. All Stakeholders Containment and control. Eradicate scattered infestations 24
Declared Animal Pest Works Control Program Wild Dog Pigs Locust Foxes Feral Cats Rabbits July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June Continuous Monitoring and treatment Continuous Monitoring and treatment Periodic monitoring and treatment as required Periodic monitoring and treatment as required Periodic monitoring and treatment as required Continuous monitoring, and treatment as required Supporting Actions Strategy Action By Whom Outcome Wild Dogs Properties inside and outside the Barrier Fence - 2 major baiting programs per year 1080 Baiting & Awareness Program Baiting when required by properties or Control Groups Aerial baiting of the barrier fence baited once a year in August. Liaise with landholders on benefits of Dingo /Wild Dog control Map areas covered by 1080 and problem areas Wild Pigs Baiting in conjunction with the coordinated baiting programs Locust Check for hatchings within the Shire Foxes / Feral Cats Technical advice to landholders Rabbits Two major Baiting Programs Barrier fence baited, individual and aerial baiting Information sharing with land holders Stock Route Supervisor Department of Natural Resources SWNRM 1080 baiting Stock Route Supervisor and NR&M Spray small areas of hatchings Notify the Plague Locust Commission of swarms within the Shire Supply of 1080 and factory baits Supply pindone Assist landholders with technical advice Rip warrens Stock Route Supervisor NR&M Land Protection Officer APLC Stock Route Supervisor Stock Route Supervisor Greatly reduce the number of wild dogs and foxes in the Murweh Shire Educate landholders of the benefits of controlling animal pests inside the barrier fence To reduce wild pig numbers in the shire To reduce locust hatchings in the Shire Notification to the Department of Natural Resources ( Plague Locust Commission) of swarms in the Shire Ph No 46542476 To reduce numbers Eradication 25
Conclusion The Murweh Shire is a part of the largest catchment in Australia The Murray Darling Basin. The community is aware that pest infestations contribute to loss of vegetation, land degradation, disease spread and reduced capacity of productive land, all of which are identified as Natural Resource Management issues today. The protection of these resources and the social and economic values and is principal to our community and it is hoped this plan will further assist with balancing the threat that introduced pests pose on production, environment and socio economic values. 26