Council seeks feedback on Draft Biosecurity Plan 2019-2024
North Burnett Regional Council Mayor, Cr Rachel Chambers invites community members to provide feedback on Council’s draft Biosecurity Plan 2019-2024.
Mayor Chambers explained, “Council’s vision is that by 2030, the North Burnett will be the region of choice for people to live, work and play. The management of invasive plant and animal species supports this vision by reinforcing the sustainability of the natural environment, primary industries and local communities across our region and building the ability and commitment of the community to manage invasive species.”
North Burnett Regional Council makes strategic and operational decisions on invasive species management based on a range of factors. These factors include federal and state government imperatives, local government initiatives (either singularly or collaboratively), industry best practice and community behaviours and desires. While the North Burnett Regional Council is responsible for ensuring that invasive species are managed in accordance with the Biosecurity Act 2014, the whole community has a responsibility to take action. The intent of this plan will be to collaboratively manage invasive species in partnership with our communities.
A Biosecurity Plan as required by the Biosecurity Act 2014 has been drafted and is available for public consultation. The draft plan adopts a risk based methodology as required by the Act. Given the limited financial and human resources available to Council for biosecurity, invasive species have been categorized into four (4) management actions being ‘prevent entry’, ‘eradication’, ‘contain’ and ‘asset protection’. Samples of “Invasive Species Information and Management Obligations” sheets have also been provided.
“I encourage all residents to have their say on the proposed biosecurity measures,” Mayor Chambers said.
A copy of the draft Biosecurity Plan can be downloaded from Council’s website or viewed at any of Council’s Customer Service Centres. Written submissions, addressed to the Chief Executive Officer and marked “Biosecurity Plan Submission”, close Friday, 29 March 2019. Enquiries can be directed to Council’s Environmental Services Manager or Natural Resource Management Officer on 1300 696 272 (1300 MY NBRC) or email Council.
In conjunction with North Burnett Regional Council’s draft Biosecurity Plan 2019-2024, the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Organisation of Councils (WBBROC) is progressing the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Biosecurity Strategy. For further information regarding this strategy please see Council’s website.
Feedback on the WBBROC strategy closes Sunday, 31 March 2019.