Council today approved the launch of a Surveillance Program for Invasive Biosecurity Matter to run for a period of two years from 19 August.
Chair of Council’s Planning and Regulatory Committee, Councillor Ellen Smith, said that the program will add to council’s strategy to manage invasive species in our area.
“We know that invasive plants and animals are an issue within the area, and we have been working alongside organisations and landholders for years to try to contain these species,” said Cr Smith.
“We also know that it can be incredibly difficult to contain or eradicate invasive species, such as Prickly Acacia and Parthenium, which can affect our natural environment and agricultural land.
“To form effective programs, it is crucial that we collect as much information as possible about where invasive species are present, compliance levels, and how effective current measures are.
“The Fitzroy Floodplain has been determined as a priority area for this program, as the environment means that plant seeds can easily and quickly spread to new areas.
“The surveillance program will focus on the localities of Pink Lily, Alton Downs, Nine Mile, Fairy Bower, Gracemere, Kabra, Bouldercombe, Midgee, Port Curtis, Depot Hill, Lakes Creek, Koongal, The Common, Stanwell, Kalapa, and Bushley.
“As we move systematically through the areas, we will also be inviting landholders within these areas to make inspection appointments with authorised officers at a time that’s convenient.”
The Surveillance Program for Invasive Biosecurity Matter will run from 19 August 2019 for a period of two years.
