The Hunter Regional Pest Animal Committee is helping deliver pest control based on local priorities and local solutions.
That’s the aim of the Hunter Regional Strategic Pest Animal management plan that is now in force.
The plan identifies key threats to agricultural production and native wildlife in our region, and the best strategic control plans to get on top of these problem species.
The plan is one of 11 developed around the State, in response to the Natural Resource Commissions review of pest management in NSW that identified the need for improved biosecurity outcomes.
Hunter Regional Pest Animal committee chair, Art Brown said the new plan would see local people delivering key pest control solutions to local communities.
“Our plan identifies wild dogs, foxes, pigs, rabbits, deer and horses as priority pest animals, based on community feedback and identified risks to farms and natural resources in our region,” Mr Brown said.
“The plan will guide resourcing and investment for organisations like Hunter Local Land Services and public land managers, but also outlines key responsibilities for landholders to manage pest animals on their land.”
The impact of pest animals on primary production, communities and our natural environment can be severe, preying on livestock and native animals, creating biosecurity risks through spreading weeds and disease, land erosion and waterway degradation.
From Sunday, July 1 existing pest control orders under the Local Land Services Act 2013 have been repealed and are now subject to the Biosecurity Act 2015 and Regulation.
“The NSW government is moving away from rigid, State-wide, prescriptive pest management to allow local people to deliver local solutions – which will be a great thing for the Hunter, because everyone can actively participate,” Mr Brown said.
“Just because pest control orders will no longer exist, it doesn’t mean there is weakening of the regulatory approach - compliance and enforcement action can still be used if necessary.”
The plan can be accessed via https://hunter.lls.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/pestplan or for more information contact your nearest Hunter Local Land Services Office on 1300 795 299.
