New Pest Management Advisory Committee

Tree Pear Poisoning

The new Council has moved to expand its Pest Management Advisory Committee (PMAC) with the inclusion of representatives from of a broader range of interest groups. This includes the Invasive Species Council and representatives from Granite Borders Landcare, the Condamine Headwaters Landcare Group and Southern Qld Landscapes. A representative from local traditional owners has also been invited to join the committee. I have also been accepted on to the committee as a community representative.

The Committee is chaired by Cr Carla Pidgeon who has portfolio responsibilities for biosecurity and pests.

PMAC was established some years ago to help raise community awareness about pests and provide advice to the Council on current and emerging pest management issues.

The latest Invasive Pests Strategic Plan was adopted by the previous Council in 2021 and expires this year. Unfortunately, it places far too much reliance on education and putting the onus of landowners to deal effectively with weed and feral pests on their properties.  The previous strategy was a much stronger document which had better compliance measures including adding a levy onto rates if no effective action was taken. This raised the ire of some landholders which resulted in a watered down version being adopted.

It is hoped that a stronger representation on PMAC by groups with concerns about the environmental impacts of invasive species will ensure that a new strategy to be developed next year adopts more effective control mechanisms including better monitoring and compliance measures.

If you have concerns about feral pests and weeds and would like any issues raised with this Committee, please contact me on 4683 6374 or batmaps.liz@gmail.com

Liz Bourne