New South Wales Invasive Species Plan 2008-2015

New South waleSinVasiVe species plan2008–2015

NSW Invasive Species Plan

NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange NSW 2800

© State of New South Wales through NSW Department of Primary Industries 2008

This publication is copyright. You may download, display, print and reproduce this material in an unaltered form only (retaining this notice) for your personal use or for non-commercial use within your organisation. To copy, adapt, publish, distribute or commercialise any of this publication you will need to seek permission from the Manager Publishing, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange, NSW.

For updates to this publication, check http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/

Published by NSW Department of Primary Industries

First Published August 2008

ISBN 978 0 7347 1896 9

Acknowledgements

This Plan was developed by the NSW Invasive Species Plan Steering Committee comprising: Richard Carter, Scott Charlton, Cathy Crawford, Jane Frances, Kathy Gott, Barry Kay, Annette McCaffery, Barbara Sanders, Robert Williamson, NSW Department of Primary Industries; Rei Beumer, Andrew Leys, Department of Environment and Climate Change; Richard Chewings, NSW Department of Lands; John Carse, Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority; Andrew Glover, Moss Vale Rural Lands Protection Board; and Reg Kidd, Chairman of Noxious Weeds Advisory Committee.

The Plan’s framework and much of its detail were provided by a State workshop held in Sydney in August 2006, facilitated by Lloyd Kingham of NSW Department of Primary Industries. The outcomes from this workshop were collated by Annette McCaffery and Cathy Crawford NSW Department of Primary Industries, who then wrote a draft Plan for consultation.

Approximately eighty individuals and organisations provided valued comment on the draft Plan, which helped the steering committee refine the final document.

disclAimer

The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing (January 2008). However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that information on which they rely is up to date and to check the currency of the information with the appropriate officer of New South Wales Department of Primary Industries or the user’s independent advisor.

Job No: 6902

NEW SOUTH WALES

inVAsiVe sPecies PlAn

2008–2015

NEW SOUTH WALES INVASIVE SPECIES PLAN 2008–2015

F O R E W O R D

The NSW Government is pleased to present the NSW Invasive Species Plan, an eight year plan to improve the management of invasive species in NSW.

Invasive species pose one of the greatest threats to biodiversity and primary production in NSW.

By developing and implementing this Plan the NSW Government aims to prevent and effectively manage the introduction and spread of invasive species so that this significant threat is minimised.

The Plan proposes actions to prevent contain and manage invasive species, including weeds, vertebrate and invertebrate animal pests, freshwater and marine aquatic pests.

The NSW Invasive Species Plan will be of benefit to the people of NSW by providing a whole of government approach to managing invasive species in this State. Its implementation will reduce the impact of weeds and other pests resulting in more profitable agricultural production and lower costs of control for land managers.

The Plan will also assist in protecting the real threat invasive species has on the State’s biodiversity.

This plan is the product of extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders and its success will be reliant on a collaborative approach by government organisations, industry and the wider community.

The NSW Invasive Species Plan delivers on the NSW State Plan’s commitment to target resources to manage priority weeds and pests in key locations in NSW to achieve the NSW Government’s target reducing the impact of invasive species in NSW by 2015.

THE HON. VERITY FIRTH MLC

Minister for Climate Change and the Environment

Minister for Women

Minister for Science and Medical Research

Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer)

THE HON. IAN MACDONALD MLC

Minister for Primary Industries

Minister for Energy

Minister for Mineral Resources

Minister for State Development

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

1 E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

3 T H E P L A N ’ S V I S I O N

3 W H O H A S A R O L E I N I M P L E M E N T I N G T H E P L A N ?

3 I N T R O D U C T I O N

5 B OX 1 – I M PA C T S

5 B OX 2 – C L I M AT E C H A N G E A N D I N VA S I V E S P E C I E S

7 P R I N C I P L E S O F T H E I N VA S I V E S P E C I E S P L A N

1 0 I M P L E M E N TAT I O N O F N S W I N VA S I V E S P E C I E S P L A N

1 1 C H A L L E N G E S , G O A L S A N D A C T I O N S

1 2 G O A L 1 – E XC LU D E

1 3 C A S E S T U DY 1 – E R A D I C AT I O N O F T R A M P A N T S – Y E L LO W C R A Z Y A N T S F R O M N S W

1 4 G O A L 2 – E R A D I C AT E O R C O N TA I N

1 5 C A S E S T U DY 2 – PA R T H E N I U M W E E D

1 6 G O A L 3 – E F F E C T I V E LY M A N A G E

1 7 C A S E S T U DY 3 – F OX C O N T R O L TO P R OT E C T L I T T L E T E R N S

1 8 C A S E S T U DY 4 – E R A D I C AT I O N O F O N E - S P OT L I V E B E A R E R S F R O M LO N G R E E F G O L F C O U R S E

1 9 G O A L 4 – C A PA C I T Y

2 2 C A S E S T U DY 5 – W R E S T L I N G A L L I G ATO R W E E D I N T H E R I V E R I N A

2 3 N S W N AT U R A L R E S O U R C E S M O N I TO R I N G , E VA LUAT I O N A N D R E P O R T I N G S T R AT E G Y

2 4 M I L E S TO N E S

2 5 A P P E N D I X 1 – S TA K E H O L D E R O R G A N I S AT I O N S A N D I N D I V I D UA L S T H AT PA R T I C I PAT E D I N W O R K S H O P S O R C O N T R I B U T E D TO T H E D E V E LO P M E N T O F T H E N S W I N VA S I V E S P E C I E S P L A N .

2 6 A P P E N D I X 2 – A B B R E V I AT I O N S

2 6 A P P E N D I X 3 – G LO S S A R Y O F T E R M S

28 A P P E N D I X 4 – L E G I S L AT I O N R E L E VA N T TO T H E N S W I N VA S I V E S P E C I E S P L A N


PAGE 1

E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

Developed through extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, the NSW Invasive Species Plan addresses one of the greatest threats to biodiversity and primary production in NSW - the introduction and spread of invasive species.

Invasive species typically compete with desirable species for limited resources and in some cases, prey on other species for food. Common invasive animal species in NSW include wild dogs, feral pigs, rabbits, foxes, feral goats, carp and feral cats. However, small invertebrate species such as tramp ants and exotic bees can be equally devastating to the economy and environment.

Invasive plant species embody a more diverse and significant threat with over 1,350 exotic plant species naturalised in NSW with more than 300 having detrimental impacts on the biodiversity and primary production of NSW.

The most effective way to manage invasive species is to prevent their initial incursion. Invasive species have the ability to establish rapidly in new areas and require a timely and rapid response. Many invasive species are already widely established in NSW, and their eradication across large areas is not achievable with existing control methods. Priorities for the control of these species must be determined, focusing resources on areas where the benefits of control will be greatest.

The NSW Invasive Species Plan aims to prevent new incursions, contain existing populations and adaptively manage widespread species. The goal is to foster a cooperative culture where all relevant parties contribute with the aim of minimising the impacts of invasive species in NSW.

The NSW Invasive Species Plan identifies four goals to realise its vision:

Exclude1. – prevent the establishment of new invasive species

Eradicate or contain2. – eliminate, or prevent the spread of new invasive species

Effectively manage3. – reduce the impacts of widespread invasive species

Capacity building4. – ensure NSW has the ability and commitment to manage invasive species

These goals aim to deliver specific measurable outcomes and actions that complement the NSW targets for natural resource management as identified in the NSW State Plan. The Plan’s principles address current planning processes, efficacy and ethical issues, and is based on current commitments by the NSW Government and investment by other stakeholders.

The Plan identifies a number of key stakeholders who will implement specific actions. They include the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Rural Lands Protection Boards, Department of Lands, Catchment Management Authorities, Local Weed Control Authorities, Game Council of NSW, other Government land managers, industry, special interest groups and community organisations.


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T H E P L A N ’ S V I S I O N

The environment, economy and community of NSW are protected from the adverse impacts of invasive species.

W H O H A S A R O L E I N I M P L E M E N T I N G T H E P L A N ?

The NSW Invasive Species Plan is relevant to all people working in primary industries and natural resource management who make decisions about invasive species. This includes those working in field opereations, policy, education, communications, training, community involvement and research, whether in industry, educational institutions, government or community organisations.

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Invasive species affect our environment, economy and social well-being. They can reduce the productivity of our land and waterways and reduce biodiversity in natural areas. Invasive species can out-compete, or prey on other species and spread disease. They can also damage buildings, roads, wharves and other structures. These impacts are detailed further in Box 1 and the effect of climate change on these issues is discussed in Box 2.

This Plan outlines a coordinated response by stakeholders to minimise the impacts of invasive species in NSW using a risk-based approach. Based on the NSW Government’s current investment in invasive species management it will also guide future investment as additional resources become available. The Plan includes existing and planned activities as well as new projects that will commence as agencies redirect resources in response to the priorities in the Plan.

An Invasive Species Plan Steering Group comprising representatives from NSW DPI, DECC, Lands, CMAs and RLPBs, engaged stakeholders in a series of three workshops in 2006 to prepare a consultation draft of the NSW Invasive species Plan. In September 2007 over 188 groups and individuals were contacted producing forty-five submissions.

All stakeholders – government agencies and authorities such as CMAs, industry, landholders and members of the community play a valuable role in achieving the challenges, goals and actions in this Plan. Stakeholders identified current and future invasive species issues and considered animal welfare, climate change and philosophical objections to lethal control when setting its overall goals and direction for invasive species management in NSW.


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The Plan provides a framework for the coordinated and cooperative management of invasive species aiming to prevent new incursions, contain existing populations and adaptively manage already widespread species. It includes weeds, vertebrate and invertebrate pests, in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments. It excludes pathogens, blue-green algae and the impacts of native species unless they are declared under legislation (refer to Appendix 4 for more detail).

A comprehensive set of principles, challenges, goals and actions to protect the economy, environment and community from the adverse impacts of invasive species in NSW are included. Importantly, the Plan specifies who is responsible for specific tasks and establishes cross-agency mechanisms to ensure effective communication among stakeholders.

The Plan uses current monitoring and assessment techniques to ensure the effective use of public resources, and prioritises areas where pest management provides the best cost to benefit ratio in protecting biodiversity, productivity and community most threatened by invasive species. It uses best management principles and is integrated into the Australian Biosecurity (AusBIOSEC) program, an overarching fabric of common principles and guidelines to enable biosecurity arrangements to be applied consistently across Australia.

The Plan complements other existing strategies such as the NSW State Plan, the Australian Pest Animal Strategy, the Australian Weeds Strategy, the NSW Biodiversity Strategy, the NSW Biosecurity Strategy, NSW Natural Resources Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting Strategy and the National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions. It also provides links with industry, regional and catchment based plans and the many species-specific management strategies already in existence.

The NSW Invasive Species Plan will provide a State level framework for the coordinated and cooperative management of invasive species aiming to build the capacity to prevent new incursions, contain existing populations and adaptively manage already widespread species in NSW.

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B OX 1 – I M PA C T S

There have been significant declines and extinctions of Australia’s native fauna and flora since the arrival of European settlers; introduced pest animals and weeds have contributed to much of this loss. With new pests being detected all the time, invasive species represent one of the greatest threats to biodiversity in Australia.

Pests also cause financial losses to agriculture and other industries and damage areas of cultural significance. Managing the impacts of pests is an issue of great importance for managers of all land tenures. The issue requires sustained, long-term management to minimise damage by pests to environmental, economic and social values.

Wild dogs, feral pigs, rabbits, foxes, feral goats, feral cats and carp are the key pest animals occurring in NSW. Some other pest animals such as feral horses, wild deer, rats and cane toads are more localised problems. Pest birds such as common mynahs, exotic turtles (for example, red-eared sliders) and invertebrate pests (such as red fire ants) are emerging or potential threats. It is estimated that pest animals cost the Australian economy over $1 billion annually.

Over 1,350 exotic plant species (weeds) have naturalised in NSW with more than 100 of them having significant impacts on the environment. In many cases, weeds out-compete native species to form monocultures which displace indigenous species. In agricultural areas, weeds can out-compete crops and pasture species resulting in lower economic returns and the need for expensive control measures.

Many naturalised plants are the result of deliberate introductions for ornamental or agricultural purposes. Some of the most invasive species are bitou bush, lantana, blackberry, privet, perennial grasses and exotic vines such as Madeira vine. Authorities are finding new weed species every year.

More than 200 introduced marine species have been detected in Australian coastal waters to date. Marine pests such as the northern Pacific sea star and Japanese kelp in Tasmania, and the Asian green mussel in Cairns, can create serious problems for marine environments and animals, and the industries and communities they support. Marine pests can also out-compete native species and put at risk Australia’s $2.5 billion-a-year fisheries and aquaculture industries.

Invasive species can cause substantial damage to buildings, roads, infrastructure and boats. Weed species can damage road surfaces resulting in high maintenance costs and pest bird species such as starlings have been known to damage telecommunication equipment. Marine species that foul the hulls of watercraft, damage wharves and block waterways can seriously disrupt shipping and port operations.


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B OX 2 – C L I M AT E C H A N G E A N D I N VA S I V E S P E C I E S

Limited data are available on the impacts climate change will have on invasive species in the future.

In a hotter and drier climate, the distribution of some species may contract in some areas while expanding into other areas. The range of some warm climate species may also increase, with other cold climate species decreasing their range.

Invasive species are often better colonisers of disturbed ecosystems than native species and are able to take advantage of droughts, floods, and increased fire intensity and frequency that could occur with climate change. Climate change may also increase the threat of species that are not yet present in New South Wales.

With climate change, many of NSW primary industries and natural ecosystems could face greater threat from invasive species. They are often well adapted to less rainfall, increased temperatures, changes in fire regimes, rising sea levels and acidic seawater. Frost tolerant species such as prickly acacia and Siam weed will expand their range further south. Dry tolerant plants such as Hudson pear are likely to have a greater distribution, and weeds currently restricted by the cold, like fireweed are likely to move into higher altitude areas.

Native species may also change their distribution and abundance in response to climate change which may increase their vulnerability to invasive species.

Future priorities for invasive species management will need to reflect changes in the distribution, abundance and impacts of invasive species that may occur in response to changing climates. Actions in the NSW Invasive Species Plan are consistent with the NSW Biodiversity and Climate Change Adaptation Framework. Key objectives in the Framework are:

to understand the interaction between climate change, invasive species and •biodiversity; and

to identify changes in the distribution, abundance and impact of invasive species •to ensure management practices are adapted to minimise future impacts on NSW’s biodiversity.

Research has recently commenced to address these objectives.

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P R I N C I P L E S O F T H E I N VA S I V E S P E C I E S P L A N

Stakeholders who were involved in initial consultation workshops for this Plan identified a range of factors that influence invasive species management. The participants discussed these factors and created a set of principles that set the framework for the challenges, goals and actions identified in the plan.

This Plan promotes the following principles in the management of invasive species in NSW:

P L A N N I N G

Invasive species issues are properly defined before developing or implementing any •control strategy.

Management decisions are based on the best available knowledge.•

Management of invasive species is most cost effective with early detection and rapid •response.

Strategic management programs are developed with an informed and skilled •community.

Sound policy and legislation frameworks are developed.•

E F F E C T I V E M A N A G E M E N T

Targeted, coordinated and integrated programs, which complement national strategies •are most efficient and effective.

An adaptive management approach incorporates monitoring of outcomes, changing •technology, knowledge and circumstances.

Control strategies reflect and adapt to changing environmental conditions.•

Control measures are appropriately target-specific, or conversely, broad spectrum, when •dealing with invasive species.

Management monitors activities to determine effectiveness.•

Priority is given to invasive species management where it will deliver the greatest •benefits.

E T H I C S

Management options use risk management systems.•

Cost-effectiveness, humaneness and target-specificity are balanced. •

The variety of social and ethical values is recognised.•

The inherent value of native species and natural ecosystems is recognised.•

Best practice approaches reduce adverse effects of chemicals on beneficial species and •the environment.

Integrated pest and weed management techniques are used where appropriate.•


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A wide range of people and organisations are involved in invasive species management in NSW. This Plan recognises the variety of roles that already exist, and attempts to consolidate these efforts through better coordination and communication between organisations and individuals. The following table highlights what each group’s roles and responsibilities are, and what part they will play in implementing the NSW Invasive Species Plan.

I N VA S I V E S P E C I E S M A N A G E M E N T – R O L E S A N D R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S

D E PA R T M E N T O F P R I M A R Y I N D U S T R I E S

The Department of Primary Industries roles are to lead the implementation of the NSW Invasive Species Plan, manage signi�cant areas of land and water, administer legislation relevant to noxious weeds and pests, provide education and training resources for weeds, invertebrate and vertebrate pests, and to foster invasive species awareness within NSW’s primary industries.

D E PA R T M E N T O F E N V I R O N M E N T A N D C L I M AT E C H A N G E

The Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) develops and implements management strategies for invasive species on lands managed under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, including national parks, nature reserves, historic sites, aboriginal areas, state conservation areas and regional parks. DECC also develops, coordinates and reports on statewide initiatives to reduce the impacts of invasive species on biodiversity. Such initiatives include the Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement and individual threat abatement plans for invasive species.

R U R A L L A N D S P R OT E C T I O N B O A R D S

Rural Lands Protection Boards operate under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998. The RLPB participate in on-ground detection and control of vertebrate pests and plague locusts in NSW. This work includes giving advice on land management techniques, assisting landholders reduce the impacts of pests through group control programs, conducting inspections for pest/invasive species and ensuring compliance with the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998.

D E PA R T M E N T O F L A N D S

The Department of Lands is a signi�cant land manager in NSW administering Crown land, which makes up approximately half of the state. The Department develops and implements invasive species management strategies on land under its direct control. It also supports activities undertaken by community groups and other stakeholders that manage land on behalf of the Department.

C ATC H M E N T M A N A G E M E N T A U T H O R I T I E S

The CMAs facilitate the management of natural resources across their regions using a catchment-based approach. This involves fostering cooperation, coordination and capacity building of all land managers to achieve the best on-ground outcomes. While not having a de�ned legislative role in controlling invasive species, the CMAs play an important supporting role providing a link between the lead agencies, councils and other land managers.

The CMAs also prepare Catchment Action Plans, which may incorporate targets concerning the control of invasive species. The CMAs provide funding for projects which contribute towards the achievement of CAP targets.

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I N VA S I V E S P E C I E S M A N A G E M E N T – R O L E S A N D R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S

LO C A L W E E D C O N T R O L A U T H O R I T I E S

Local Weed Control Authorities (Local Councils and County Councils) are responsible for the implementation of noxious weed control (under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993), including: enforcing the Act, conducting inspections, controlling weeds on LWCA managed lands, developing weed strategy and policy, and providing education, training and resources for both the public and for sta� . Local control authorities also have obligations under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998 and Companion Animals Act 1998 to manage both pest and domestic animals on land they own, occupy or manage.

G A M E C O U N C I L N S W

Game Council NSW is a statutory authority established under the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002 and its associated Regulation of 2004. The major objective of Game Council NSW is to harness the e� orts of licensed, accredited hunters to assist in the reduction of some pest species such as feral pigs, goats, foxes and rabbits.

OT H E R G O V E R N M E N T L A N D M A N A G E R S

All Government departments that manage land have an important role in the management of invasive species in NSW. These areas include land reserved for its biodiversity, historic or scenic value, land that has commercial value containing harvestable resources, land used for the State’s infrastructure or transport corridors and land that has not been claimed for any speci� c purpose. The role of public land managers includes the development and implementation of pest management strategies and the education of the community and other stakeholders.

I N D U S T R Y

Industry has three main roles in invasive species management: (a) managing pests on land and in aquatic environments used for production; (b) managing or trading potential or known invasive species used for, or held by nurseries, zoos and collectors, agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture and biofuel development; and (c) providing vectors or pathways for invasive species establishment through movement of goods, produce and equipment or related activities such as the disposal of ships’ ballast.

S P E C I A L I N T E R E S T G R O U P S A N D C O M M U N I T Y O R G A N I S AT I O N S

NSW Invasive Species Plan recognises the important role community volunteers and special interest groups play in the management of invasive species in NSW. These groups and individuals provide thousands of hours each week assisting in the management of private and public lands through direct invasive species control and monitoring activities while others play valuable supporting roles.


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I M P L E M E N TAT I O N O F N S W I N VA S I V E S P E C I E S P L A N

The NSW Invasive Species Plan is a strategic document that will prioritise and direct invasive species management programs, funding and resources for NSW. The Plan is a starting point to develop new action strategies while embracing existing strategies that are complementary to the Plan’s objectives.

Typically, the lead agency will initiate actions arising from the Plan. Other agencies and individuals play a key role in implementing these actions. The following model shows the inclusion of consultation, and monitoring and evaluation through the implementation process.

NSW Invasive Species Plan

Objectivee.g. support cooperative programs that use integrated management across all tenures

Lead Agency OR Others

Implementation

Consultation with relevant stakeholders

Determine appropriate action

Monitoring, evaluation

and reporting

External reporting

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C H A L L E N G E S , G O A L S A N D A C T I O N S

Stakeholders identified several key issues faced by invasive species managers in NSW. This Plan recognises that the best way to deal with invasive species is to prevent them coming into the state. However, when invasive species do come into NSW they can establish quickly, and unfortunately, many species are already widespread. Invasive species have very real and imminent implications for NSW’s economy, environment and social well-being.

T H E P L A N H A S F O U R G O A L S TO A D D R E S S T H E S E C H A L L E N G E S :

Exclude• – prevent the establishment of new invasive species. The challenge is to identify species, thoroughly assess potential invasiveness and implement effective barriers to prevent their establishment.

Eradicate or contain• – eliminate or prevent the spread of new invasive species. The challenge is to develop and deploy effective and efficient ways to eradicate or contain an introduced species before it becomes widespread.

Effectively manage• – reduce the impacts of widespread invasive species. The challenge is to manage or control these species to reduce their impact where benefits of control are greatest.

Capacity• – ensure NSW has the ability and commitment to manage invasive species. The challenge is for NSW to have the knowledge, skills, resources and systems to address the impacts of invasive species.

From these goals flow a hierarchy of objectives, actions and outcomes/outputs that demonstrate how the broader goals relate to on-ground actions. Throughout the Plan case studies have been included to show how stakeholders are currently implementing this approach in the real world.


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C H A L L E N G E

‘The most effective way to minimise the impacts of invasive species is to prevent

their initial incursion. The challenge is to identify species, thoroughly assess potential

invasiveness and implement effective barriers to prevent their establishment.’

G O A L 1 : E XC LU D EP R E V E N T T H E E S TA B L I S H M E N T O F N E W I N VA S I V E S P E C I E S

Summary

I N D I C ATO R Number of new invasive species likely to have signi�cant impacts, established

RESPONSIBILITIES VERTEBRATE PESTS WEEDS AQUATIC PESTS INVERTEBRATE PESTS

LEAD AGENCY DPI DPI DPI DPI

IMPLEMENTATION State government, industry, RLPB

State and local government, industry



A C T I O N O U TC O M E S / O U T P U T S

1.1 Objective – high risk species and pathways are identi�ed and managed

Develop a species risk assessment framework•

Undertake a risk assessment process to identify potential high risk pathways•

Review legislative arrangements for control of high risk pathways•

Implement legislation, education and enforcement programs for e�ective •management of high risk pathways

Assist high risk pathway industries to develop industry codes to mitigate risk•

Industry develops and implements labelling standards for invasive species•

Species risk assessment framework developed•

High risk pathways identi�ed•

Appropriate legislation and e�ective enforcement •mechanisms in place

Industry implementing codes of practice •

Industry labelling standards developed and implemented•

1.2 Objective – early detection capabilities are developed and implemented

Review existing early detection capabilities•

Improve capacity and develop tools to identify and report suspected new •invasive species

Respond e�ectively to invasive species reports•

Maintain diagnostic and identi�cation services•

Maintain NSW invasive species databases and make accessible to •stakeholders

Increased capacity for early detection•

Fewer established incursions•

Lists of high risk species•

Incursion plans for very high risk species •

1.3 Objective – consistency between State and national legislation and protocols

Develop State protocols consistent with national approaches to address high •risk pathways

Support national standards of labelling for risk assessment of imported •species

Work with other jurisdictions to develop consistent invasive species •management approaches

Introduction of high risk species prevented•

Lists of permitted and/or prohibited species•

Nationally consistent invasive species lists developed•

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Tramp ants are a highly mobile group of unrelated ant species, which opportunistically use human transport and freight networks to spread around the world. The ants can affect plants, animals and ecosystems, human health and social and cultural values.

Tramp ants share many behavioural and ecological traits that can explain their impact and invasiveness. These traits include:

Worker ants nurture more than •one queen in a colony so that large interconnected super-colonies can develop.

Tramp ants are aggressive and can •often out-number other ant species to dominate sites.

Tramp ants exhibit mutualism •with honeydew-secreting scale insects, aphids and mealybugs. This relationship can cause population outbreaks of those insects and lead to canopy dieback and vegetation changes.

The Australian Government has identified six national priority tramp ant species: red imported fire ant, tropical fire ant, electric ant, African bigheaded ant, yellow crazy ant and Argentine ant. NSW is free of red imported fire ants, tropical fire ants and electric ants.

Authorities detected yellow crazy ants at Goodwood Island wharf near the mouth of the Clarence River in July 2004. Goodwood Island wharf is significant in providing shipping supplies to Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island.

NSW Department of Primary Industries, NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change, NSW Maritime Authority and Clarence Valley Council conducted a collaborative campaign of surveillance and regular treatment of the infested and associated areas.

This campaign has resulted in the eradication of yellow crazy ants from Goodwood Island, which has also prevented the ant’s distribution to Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands.

C A S E S T U DY 1 – E R A D I C AT I O N O F T R A M P A N T S – Y E L LO W C R A Z Y A N T S F R O M N S W


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G O A L 2 : E R A D I C AT E O R C O N TA I NE L I M I N AT E , O R P R E V E N T T H E S P R E A D O F N E W I N VA S I V E S P E C I E S

Summary

I N D I C ATO R ( S ) Distribution and abundance of priority emerging species

Success of eradication programs


LEAD AGENCY DPI DPI DPI DPI

IMPLEMENTATION State government, industry, RLPB, CMA

State and local government, industry, CMA




2.1 Objective – timely detection of new incursions

Maintain and promote community hotlines•

Maintain surveillance capabilities for high risk species•

Increase the capacity of stakeholders to recognise, detect and report new •incursions

Enhance existing community surveillance networks•

Improve communication and reporting networks between agencies and •stakeholders

New incursions of priority species detected and •eradicated where practical

Functioning hotlines for the timely reporting of new •incursions

Educational material available on identi�cation of high •priority species

2.2 Objective – rapid response to eradicate or contain new invasive species

Develop rapid response plans and cost-sharing agreements •

Develop and implement appropriate surveillance, eradication or •containment programs for new incursions

Maintain research capacity to deal with new, emerging and emergency •management issues

Monitor the e�ectiveness of eradication or containment programs•

Prompt containment or eradication and ongoing •monitoring of new incursions

Cost-sharing arrangements in place involving all •stakeholders

C H A L L E N G E

‘Invasive species have the ability to establish in new areas rapidly and successful

control often corresponds directly with timely and rapid response. The challenge is to develop

and deploy effective and efficient ways to eradicate or contain an introduced species

before it becomes widespread.’

Parthenium weed is a vigorous coloniser of bare ground, denuded pastures and disturbed sites. It is a fast growing annual with prolific seed production. Once established, it very quickly builds a huge seed bank in the soil that makes eradication difficult and expensive. It is endemic to central Queensland where it causes significant production losses to the beef industry and adds to weed control costs for grain producers.

Parthenium weed is spreading into southern Queensland where local government is attempting to contain the larger outbreaks. It contains powerful allergens that cause a range of human health problems, including asthma and severe contact dermatitis.

Despite it being widespread and having significant impact in Queensland, NSW has remained free of parthenium thanks to the diligence of Government agencies, landowners and other stakeholders in implementing surveillance and control strategies.

Parthenium weed spreads by seed and is not particularly adapted to long distance dispersal by wind, water or animals. The main means of long distance spread is by humans through contaminated harvesting machinery, grain, hay, seed and mud falling from vehicles.

Regular outbreaks continue to occur on roadsides and particularly on the Newell Highway but local government weeds officers have been very effective at finding and eradicating these infestations.

Outbreaks on private property are often difficult to find and generally larger than those found on roadsides. Private property outbreaks have a much greater potential for establishing a permanent population of parthenium weed in NSW.

In 1989, a property owner discovered a parthenium weed infestation covering 160 hectares on his property west of Gunnedah NSW. The origin of the infestation was from contaminated pasture seed the farmer had unknowingly purchased from central Queensland, the sale of which was in contravention of Queensland seeds legislation. The property owner promptly reported it to the NSW Department of Agriculture, now NSW DPI and weeds officers from Castlereagh-Macquarie County Council commenced an eradication program.

Weeds officers inspected the outbreak every month during the summer and autumn, removing any parthenium weed plants found, and burning them in a hot fire. The officers also treated the entire area, including the fire site with residual herbicide and conducted follow up inspections of the site during the following months.

This significant parthenium outbreak was eradicated in four years due to early detection and an extremely thorough eradication program. Had the infestation been undiscovered for several years, the infestation would have developed an enormous bank of seed in the soil and eradication would have extremely difficult, if not impossible.

C A S E S T U DY 2 – PA R T H E N I U M W E E D

PAGE 15


PAGE 16

C H A L L E N G E

‘Many invasive species are already widely established in NSW. The challenge is to manage

or control these species to reduce their impact where benefits of control are greatest.’

G O A L 3 : E F F E C T I V E LY M A N A G ER E D U C E T H E I M PA C T S O F W I D E S P R E A D I N VA S I V E S P E C I E S

Summary

I N D I C ATO R Success of control programs for selected widespread species


LEAD BY DPI DPI DPI DPI

IMPLEMENTATION RLPB, State government, CMA, industry, Game Council, private and public land managers

Local government, State government, CMA, industry, private and public land managers

State and local government, CMA, industry, private and public land and water managers

State government, CMA, industry, local government, RLPB, public land managers


3.1 Objective – identi�cation and prioritisation of management programs where bene�ts are greatest

Provide clear benchmarks and processes to measure invasive species •impacts and prioritise management actions

Identify where invasive species are having the greatest impacts on primary •industries, environment, human health or infrastructure

Prioritise management e�orts based on impacts•

Management programs prioritised to give the greatest •bene�t

3.2 Objective – e�ective and targeted on-ground control

Develop and implement State management plans for high priority species •

Link State and regional management plans with Catchment Action Plans •(CAPs)

Develop best practice guidelines where required •

Support cooperative programs that use integrated management across all •tenures

Identify opportunities to include appropriate land use change, commercial •harvesting, hunting and �shing as part of management

Monitor the e�ectiveness of management programs and adapt as required•

Ensure regulatory framework appropriate for the development and •implementation of new control techniques

Impacts reduced at priority sites•

Regional and local cooperation and coordination •enhanced

Management plans linked with CAPs•

PAGE 17

The NSW Fox Threat Abatement Plan or Fox TAP, illustrates why it is necessary to focus available resources on areas where the benefits of control will be greatest, particularly when species are widespread and control is difficult to achieve.

The Fox TAP outlines strategies for the protection of 34 threatened species at greatest risk from fox predation, and the sites where fox control is most critical for those species.

Fox control protects the breeding areas of the little tern Sterna albifrons, an endangered ground-nesting shorebird at 13 sites along the NSW coast. Foxes have caused the nesting failure of entire colonies of little terns by eating eggs and chicks during breeding seasons. The program is reducing fox numbers around all known nesting sites in NSW to minimise predation during the little tern breeding season.

Although fox control commenced at many sites during the late 1990’s, the Fox TAP recognised the protection of the breeding sites as high priority and provided resources for continued control and monitoring. Managers were able to monitor and compare sites where foxes were controlled, with sites where terns were found breeding in isolated areas providing a ‘nil-treatment’ comparison of fledging success.

Figure 1: Breeding success of little terns in NSW at sites with and without fox control, calculated as the sum of the number of birds fledged divided by the sum of breeding pairs.

The baiting programme has been highly successful for little tern breeding success (Figure 1). Although foxes remained a common source of mortality, little terns have had higher breeding success at fox-controlled nesting sites, than in nil-treatment sites. The breeding success of little terns also appears to be improving with time. The control of foxes will continue under the Fox TAP to increase the recruitment of little terns.

C A S E S T U DY 3 – F OX C O N T R O L TO P R OT E C T L I T T L E T E R N S

Photo: Jodie Dunn

Photo: Jodie Dunn

Photo: Dave Gallan

01/02

1.0 SUCCESS (� edglings ÷ breeding pair)

fox control

02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07

0.5

no fox control

Photo: Dave Gallan

Photo: Dave Gallan


PAGE 18

Small mosquito fish called one-spot livebearers Palloceros caudimaculatus are a significant aquatic pest, whose invasive potential has seen them listed as a noxious species in NSW. In 1999, an unknown person released the pest into a pond at Long Reef Golf Course. This location is the only known population of one-spot livebearers in NSW.

The fish rapidly recovered from a previous eradication attempt in 2002 demonstrating their hardy nature and resilient breeding strategy.

NSW DPI conducted another eradication program in June 2006 combining the experience and resources of NSW DPI, the golf course, the Australian Museum, and Warringah Pittwater Rural Fire Service to improve on the previous eradication method.

NSW DPI timed the exercise to minimise both disruption to the golf course’s irrigation, and potential impact on the resident frog population. DECC conducted a faunal survey and trapped and relocated native species prior to the eradication. Course management reduced pond volumes to maximise the effect of the pesticide and put in place various environmental safeguards.

In January 2007, Course management and the Australian Museum surveyed the ponds using electro-fishing, trapping and spotlighting techniques. They found no one-spot livebearers. Following several recent surveys, authorities are optimistic that they have eradicated the pest.

The Australian Museum is attempting to find a suitable source of green and golden bell frogs to expand their current breeding efforts on the course. Large numbers of tadpoles were evident during the post eradication survey and further introduction will take advantage of reduced aquatic predation in the ponds.

C A S E S T U DY 4 – E R A D I C AT I O N O F O N E - S P OT L I V E B E A R E R S F R O M LO N G R E E F G O L F C O U R S E

PAGE 19

G O A L 4 : C A PA C I T YE N S U R E N S W H A S T H E A B I L I T Y A N D C O M M I T M E N T TO M A N A G E I N VA S I V E S P E C I E S

Summary

I N D I C ATO R S Number of people with relevant training in the management of invasive species

Number of community groups involved in the management of invasive species

State government funds allocated for the management of invasive species


LEAD BY DPI DPI DPI DPI

IMPLEMENTATION RLPB, State government, CMA, industry, Game Council, private and public land managers

Local government, State government, CMA, industry, private and public land managers

State and local government, CMA, industry, private and public land and water managers

State government, CMA, industry, local government, RLPB, public land managers


4.1 Objective – government manages high priority invasive species on public land and waterways

Ensure control obligations are e�ectively applied by all land and water •managers

Adequately resource priority invasive species management•

Develop management plans for high priority Crown and other public lands•

Invasive species on public lands and waterways are •managed e�ectively

4.2 Objective – private landholders motivated to manage invasive species proactively

Develop and implement communication campaigns that increase target •audience awareness and understanding

Publicise ‘success stories’ and also the penalties imposed for non-compliance•

Develop and implement incentives for the management of invasive species •on non-productive land and to protect biodiversity

Invasive species on private lands are managed e�ectively•

Number of stakeholders participating in coordinated •programs

Increased uptake of incentives•

4.3 Objective – increased community acceptance of and involvement in e�ective invasive species management

Develop and implement targeted communication campaigns based on •surveys of community perceptions

Identify further opportunities for community involvement•

Review and improve information delivery to support stakeholders with •access to current research, database information training, and incentives

Inform stakeholders of their legal and community responsibilities•

Build on existing communication networks to ensure e�ective dissemination •of resources and information to all stakeholder groups

Provide facilities and technology to minimise the introduction and spread of •invasive species

Maintain and build on existing volunteer networks•

Community and stakeholders accept the need for and •involved in management programs

Increased uptake of incentives•

Increased participation•

Use of facilities and technology to minimise the •introduction and spread of invasive species

C H A L L E N G E

‘Invasive species have very real and imminent implications for NSW’s

economy, environment and social well-being. The challenge is for NSW to have the knowledge, skills, resources and systems to

address the impact of invasive species.’


PAGE 20


4.4 Objective – integration of invasive species management into education programs

Review current education and training programs to identify gaps and •integrate invasive species issues

Promote and encourage invasive species awareness through participation in •existing programs

Regularly update education providers on invasive species initiatives•

Regularly review and adapt education programs•

Develop a range of information, education and training resources•

Increased awareness of and involvement in invasive •species management

4.5 Objective – skilled workforce implementing invasive species management

Develop competency based education and training courses for speci�c •stakeholder groups including volunteers

Regularly review and adapt education and training programs•

An increase in the number of operators holding •competency based quali�cations

4.6 Objective – ability to measure the e�ectiveness of invasive species management

Provide guidelines for monitoring, evaluation and reporting•

Consolidate, evaluate and report State, regional and local monitoring •information

State-wide databases developed and maintained•

Monitoring programs being implemented•

4.7 Objective – improve knowledge base for invasive species management

Review existing knowledge to identify gaps and prioritise future research•

Maintain research capacity •

Build research skills through recognition and training•

Strengthen research by encouraging cooperative research groups•

Continue research to develop and improve control methods•

Undertake research on the e�ects of both climate change and general •environmental changes on invasive species

Research capability maintained or improved•

Research priorities identi�ed•

Research conducted and results published and extended•

More control methods available•

Better understanding of the e�ects of change on invasive •species

4.8 Objective – roles and responsibilities de�ned for invasive species management

Ensure roles and responsibilities for each stakeholder are clearly de�ned and •understood

Establish regional advisory networks for the management of invasive •species

CMAs and State agencies implement and report on Natural Resources •Commission targets and indicators for invasive species

Arrangements in place for managing invasive species•

Memorandum of understanding implemented where •appropriate

PAGE 21


4.9 Objective – government commitment to implement the components of the Invasive Species Plan

Include relevant actions from this Plan in CAPs •

Continue funding programs and incentives for invasive species programs •

Direct noxious weed grant funding to assist implementation of State and •regional strategies

NSW Government continues to contribute to national cost-sharing •arrangements

Plan meets its objectives•

4.10 Objective – legislation and policies implemented and enforced consistently for e�ective invasive species management

Review current legislation to address overlaps, gaps and inconsistency with •NSW and other national legislation

Ensure all legislation is integrated with agency policies and strategies•

Ensure legislation enables the containment and eradication of high risk •invasive species

Ensure control obligations consistently apply across all land managers and •are tailored to the invasive species characteristics

Develop materials to educate and guide all stakeholders in compliance •obligations

Develop improved enforcement capabilities•

Legislation in place for e�ective management of invasive •species with appropriate options for enforcement

4.11 Objective – monitor progress of implementation of the Plan

Task the NR&E CEO Cluster Group to monitor implementation of this Strategy •

Develop reporting arrangements to communicate the performance of the •Plan to stakeholders

Plan meets its objectives•

4.12 Objective – have established cost sharing arrangements

Develop cost sharing models •

Lead Agencies de�ned for model invasive species activities•

Participate in the national cost sharing arrangements of AusBIOSEC, Animal •Health Response Agreement, Plant Health Response Agreement and National Marine Incursion Plan

Cost sharing arrangements in place•


PAGE 22

Alligator weed is a highly invasive weed that grows both on land and in water. It can tolerate herbicides and spreads by fragments, making it a serious weed of waterways, wetlands and floodplains in Australia.

Alligator weed threatens irrigated and floodplain-based farming and has the potential to spread to most non-arid parts of Australia. In some areas, alligator weed will persist and grow above a floodplain; such as the case in the Riverina towns of Griffith and Albury where alligator weed has infested water storage dams and several irrigation channels.

NSW DPI established the Alligator Weed Taskforce to manage these infestations in the Riverina region. Various stakeholders combined to manage the weed strategically to a point where eradication is now possible.

The project has involved an intensive treatment program using suppression and eradication strategies identified in the new Alligator Weed Control Manual. Key on-ground activities included fencing of infestations, piping of infested drainage lines and physical removal using digging and herbicides. An inspection program will follow this control program on downstream irrigation channels to ensure new infestations are recorded, treated and controlled.

A range of stakeholder partnerships has developed because of this taskforce and various on-ground projects. Cooperation across many levels of government coupled with active partnerships with local communities has demonstrated that this is a successful approach to manage a serious aquatic weed.

C A S E S T U DY 5 – W R E S T L I N G A L L I G ATO R W E E D I N T H E R I V E R I N A

PAGE 23

N S W N AT U R A L R E S O U R C E S M O N I TO R I N G , E VA LUAT I O N A N D R E P O R T I N G S T R AT E G Y

The NSW government has adopted a statewide strategy for monitoring NSW natural resource management targets. The Natural Resources Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (MER) Strategy seeks to measure long-term trends in NSW’s natural resources and the effectiveness of specific management actions to sustain them. The NSW Government’s Natural Resource Management targets include a specific target for invasive species that ‘by 2015 there is a reduction in the impact of invasive species’ (New South Wales State Plan, Priority E4).

Three indicators will assess progress towards this target:

Number of new invasive species established (all new species whose impacts are likely to •be significant)

Distribution and abundance of emerging invasive species (selected species only) •

Success of control programs for widespread invasive species (selected species only) as •measured by (i) a reduction in biodiversity impacts (e.g. a reduction in the impacts of foxes on biodiversity); and (ii) a reduction in other impacts (e.g. land, water and socio-economic impacts).

Reporting on these state-wide indicators will be through the State of the Environment reports and progressively through Catchment Health Report Cards for individual CMA regions. NSW DPI will lead an inter-agency working group to oversee the state-wide monitoring requirements for invasive species.

In addition to MER obligations for invasive species management, target milestones have been specifically developed to measure the success of the key outcomes and actions identified in this Plan.


PAGE 24

M I L E S TO N E S

Milestones are a way of showing achievements in the life of a plan or strategy. The following milestones relate to the various goals in this document, and attempt to show how we will make progress to achieve the goals in the Plan. Because of the complexity of objectives in this document, the milestones include a review date to show that work is continuing towards these goals beyond the initial achievement date.

G E N E R A L

M1 NSW Invasive Species Plan complies with current National and State strategies, initiatives and industry best practice 2 0 0 8 ( A C H I E V E M E N T D AT E ) / Y E A R LY ( R E V I E W D AT E )

M2 Report on the implmentation of the NSW Invasive Species Plan to Natural Resources & Environment CEO Cluster Group 2 0 0 8 / Y E A R LY

G O A L 1

M3 Reporting on the number of new invasive species completed 2 0 0 8 / Y E A R LY

M4 Species risk assessment framework completed and high risk pathways are identi�ed 2 0 0 9 / Y E A R LY

M5 Lists of high risk species are developed 2 0 0 9 / Y E A R LY

G O A L 2

M6 Reports on the distribution and abundance of priority emerging species completed 2 0 0 9 / 2 0 1 1 , 2 0 1 4

G O A L 3

M7 Priority widespread species for monitoring identi�ed 2 0 0 9 / Y E A R LY

M8 Invasive species monitoring and control programs in place for selected widespread species 2 0 0 8 / 2 0 1 4

G O A L 4

M9 Invasive species management research priorities identi�ed 2 0 0 9 / 2 0 1 2 , 2 0 1 5

M10 Competency based training in place for invasive species management 2 0 0 9 / Y E A R LY

M11 Arrangements in place to manage widespread species 2 0 0 8 / Y E A R LY

M12 Arrangements in place to manage new incursions of pest animals and weeds 2 0 0 8 / Y E A R LY

M13 Arrangements in place to manage new incursions of invertebrates 2 0 0 9 / Y E A R LY

M14 Arrangements in place to manage aquatic pest species 2 0 1 0 / Y E A R LY

M15 Legislation and codes of practice in place for e�ective management and enforcement of invasive species 2 0 1 1 / Y E A R LY

2 0 0 8

M1

M2

M3

M8

M11

M12

2 0 0 9

M4

M5

M6

M7

M9

M10

M13

2 0 1 0

M14

2 0 1 1

M15

PAGE 25

A P P E N D I X 1

Stakeholder organisations and individuals that participated in workshops or contributed to the development of the NSW Invasive Species Plan.

Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing Ms Lynda Newman – Laperouse NSW Department of Primary Industries

Associated Fauna & Marine Parks of NSW Mr Geo� Portbury – Jerilderie NSW Farmers Association

Australian Deer Association Local Government Association of NSW NSW Maritime

Australian Museum Local Government Shires Association of NSW Nursery & Garden Industry Association, NSW & ACT

Baulkham Hills Shire Council Lord Howe Island Board Orange City Council

Bega Valley Shire Council Milton Rural Landcare Group Regional Relations & Education

Bland Shire Council Monaro Regional Weeds Committee Riverina Noxious Weeds Advisory Groups

Blue Mountains City Council Moss Vale RLPB RSPCA NSW

Bogan Shire Council Mr Brian Everingham – Engadine NSW Ryde TAFE

Bourke Shire Council Mr Ross Goddard – Rossmore NSW Shoalhaven City Council

Burwood Council Mr Eric Fair Snowy Hydro Limited

Canberra Bushwalking Club Ms Margaret Hurle – Little Brimble NSW Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority

Central West Catchment Management Authority Ms Barbie Kelsall – Broughton Brook NSW State Council, Rural Lands Protection Boards

CSIRO Mr Ross McPhie – Noondoo NSW Sydney Coastal Councils

Department of Environment and Water Resources

Ms Dianne Thompson – Fisher ACT Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority

Eastern and Western Riverina NWA Group Murray-Darling Basin Commission Sydney North Weeds Committee

Environment ACT Murrumbidgee Irrigation Sydney Water

Game Council NSW Namoi Catchment Management Authority Taronga Park Zoo

Gunnedah Shire Council National Parks Association of NSW University of NSW

Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority

Nature Conservation Council of NSW University of Sydney

Hay Shire Council North Coast Regional Weeds Committee Urban Bushland Management

Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority

Northern Inland Weeds Advisory Committee Vaucluse Progress Association

Hunter Region Landcare Network Noxious Weeds Advisory Committee Western Catchment Management Authority

Inverell Shire Council NSW Council of Freshwater Anglers Wild Dog Destruction Board

Kosciusko Huts Association NSW Department of Environment & Climate Change

Wildlife Preservation Society of Australia

Lachlan Catchment Management Authority NSW Department of Lands World Wildlife Fund – Australia

Lismore City Council NSW Department of Natural Resources


PAGE 26

A P P E N D I X 2 – A B B R E V I AT I O N S

AusBIOSEC Australian Biosecurity System for Primary Production and the Environment

CAP Catchment Action Plan

CMA Catchment Management Authority

CSIRO Commonwealth Scienti�c and Industrial Research Organisation

DECC NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change

DPI NSW Department of Primary Industries

NRC Natural Resources Commission

NR&E CEO cluster group Natural Resources and Environment CEO cluster group

RLPB Rural Lands Protection Board

RSPCA Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

A P P E N D I X 3 – G LO S S A R Y O F T E R M S

Aquatic Living or growing in or on the water (fresh, brackish or salt).

Best practice guidelines Control protocols which seek to balance cost-e�ectiveness, non-target damage and humaneness.

Biodiversity The variety of life forms, the di�erent plants, animals, micro-organisms, the genes they contain and the ecosystems they form.

Biosecurity The management of risks posed by organisms to the economy, environment and people’s health through exclusion, mitigation, adaptation, control and eradication.

Commercial harvesting Managing the invasive species for �nancial gain.

Competency based Training which develops the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to achieve competency standards.

Containment Restricting the spread of an invasive species incursion.

Emerging species A newly established species whose distribution and abundance is expanding.

Eradication Removal of the entire population of a species in a managed area: Completely eliminating that species including reproductive propagules.

Establishment The point at which a species can reproduce at a su�cient level ensuring survival in a new habitat without new genetic input from outside the system.

Evaluation The process or results of an assessment or appraisal in relation to stated objectives, standards, or criteria.

Incursion An isolated population of an invasive species detected in an area where it has not been previously established.

Impacts The (usually negative) economic, environmental and/or social e�ects of invasive species.

Invasive species A species whose establishment and spread threatens ecosystems, habitats or species with economic or environmental harm.

Invertebrate An animal without a backbone e.g. insects.

PAGE 27

Native species A species within its natural range (past and present).

Natural range The area which a species can reach and occupy by its own legs, wings, wind/water-borne or other dispersal systems, even if it is seldom found there.

New invasive species Any introduced species that has not been recorded in NSW previously and whose impacts are likely to be signi�cant or a species previously recorded in NSW that has since exhibited invasiveness.

Pathways The means by which invasive species move e.g. air, surface water, groundwater, plants, animals and by human agents.

Pest Any plant or animal having, or with potential to have an adverse economic, environmental or social impact.

Protected area An area of land and/or sea especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biodiversity, and of natural and associated cultural resources, and managed through legal or other e�ective means.

Protocol A procedure or set of rules.

Public land and water Lands and water managed by public authorities.

Public authority a Minister of the Crown; or•

local authority constituted by or under an Act; or•

a government department or administrative o�ce; or•

a statutory body representing the Crown; or•

the trustee or trustees of land reserved or dedicated for any public use or purpose; or•

a member of sta� or other person who exercises functions on behalf of any of the above.•

Risk management The culture, processes and structures that are directed towards realising potential opportunities whilst managing adverse e�ects.

Stakeholders Those people and organisations who may a�ect, be a�ected by, or perceive themselves to be a�ected by a decision, activity or risk.

Terms of reference The scope allowed to persons conducting an enquiry of any kind. This term has come to be used in almost a generic sense to be a guide for a wide range of activities including investigations, reviews, projects, implementation and the development of plans.

Threatened (species, populations and ecological communities)

Is speci�ed in the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 as either endangered, vulnerable, or presumed extinct.

Vectors Pathway or means allowing the spread of an invasive species into an area or ecosystem.

Vertebrate Animal with a backbone.

Weed Plants that are unwanted in a given situation and which usually have detectable negative economic, environmental or social e�ects.

Widespread A species widely distributed in NSW.


PAGE 28

A P P E N D I X 4 – L E G I S L AT I O N R E L E VA N T TO T H E N S W I N VA S I V E S P E C I E S P L A N

Apiaries Act 1985 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974

Biological Control Act 1986 Non-Indigenous Animals Act 1987

Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 Noxious Weeds Act 1993

Companion Animals Act 1998 NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

Crown Lands Act 1989 Plant Diseases Act 1924

Deer Act 2006 Quarantine Act 1908 (Cwlth)

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 Rural Lands Protection Act 1998

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth)

Soil Conservation Act 1938

Exotic Diseases of Animals Act 1991 Stock Diseases Act 1923

Fisheries Management Act 1994 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979

Forestry Act 1916 Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997

Forestry and National Park Estate Act 1998 Water Management Act 2000

Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002 Western Lands Act 1901

Local Government Act 1993 Wild Dog Destruction Act 1921

Native Vegetation Act 2003

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New South Wales Invasive Species Plan 2008-2015

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