Development of a National Incursion Management framework for Invasive Species

Summary

There is currently no specific emergency management framework for the invasive animal and plant sector, although response activities may be carried out under the National Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement (NEBRA) and the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD),
and align with the Biosecurity Incident Management System (BIMS). 

This project seeks to bring together the above approaches under a single emergency management framework. It will build on existing resources while identifying and addressing risks specific to the invasive animal and plant sector. As part of the Environment and Invasives Committee (EIC) framework, it should incorporate vertebrates, weeds and other invasive species.  

Status

Completed

Objectives

The Project Objective is to enhance the ability to prevent, detect early, and effectively respond to new animal and plant incursions by developing
a National Incursion Management Framework for potentially invasive plant and animal incursions. The framework will:  

  1. be applicable across sectors within EIC remit (including vertebrates, weeds, freshwater invertebrates) 
  2. as much as possible, be consistent with existing approaches and structures in the animal and plant health sectors. 
  3. include minimum standards/normal commitments for surveillance, diagnostics and response, drawing on existing standards from other biosecurity sectors and clearly defining the incident definition stage. 

Project Leader



Dr Malcolm Kennedy
Project Team
  • Dr Malcolm Kennedy, WA DPIRD (co project leader)
  • Dr Michelle Christy, WA DPIRD (co project leader)
  • Dr John Virtue, PIRSA  
  • Ms Karina Keast, DAWR 
  • Mr Adam Kay, VIC DEDJTR  
Project Partners
  • Western Australia as Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) 
  • Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) 
  • Victorian Government Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) 
  • Arthur Rylah Institute (ARI), Victoria
  • Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF)  
  • Tasmanian Goverment Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) 
  • NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) 
  • Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment  (DAWE) 

The project received funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment

Outputs

August 2019 update:

This project is now complete. For invasive species with environmental and social impacts, a nationally-consistent approach to responding to new incursions at a national, state or territory and local level is being put into action. A final draft of the National Vertebrate Incursion Prevention and Response Strategy 2019-2024 has been submitted to the Environment and Invasives Committee (EIC).

An InvasivePlan Compendium was developed from the outcomes of the Invasive Plan Framework, literature searches and workshops. Engagement and awareness of the InvasivePlan and incursion science in general was delivered through presentations, interviews, articles and workshops.

February 2019 update: 

After a number of workshops this project has:  

  • Completed a final draft of the National Vertebrate Incursion Prevention and Response Strategy (Strategy) 2019-2024 – this has now been submitted to the Environment and Invasives Committee (EIC) who endorse the strategy. 
  • Researched and developed the InvasivePlan Compendium based on the outcomes of the InvasivePlan Framework, literature searches, three workshops, and other collaborative activities. 
  • Completed a National Vertebrate Incursion Data Summary (2016 and 2017) for jurisdictions to use for forward planning and community engagement and education purposes.  
  • Collated and curated 2017 national incursion data in preparation of the National Vertebrate Incursion Data Summary 2016-2017. 
  • Continued contribution at workshops and as Subject Matter Expert to the ABARES Priority List Assessment of Vertebrates process and list outcomes. 
  • Researched and wrote technical paper on trapping options for the capture of at large corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) following a request from Biosecurity Queensland.

Reports:

News articles: 31/01/20 https://invasives.com.au/news-events/farewell-powerhouse-australias-vertebrate-pest-incursions-prevention-response/

30/08/18 – https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2018-08-30/pets-pests-australia/9980986