New South Wales

INVASIVE SPECIES PLAN 2018-2021

VISION: W
 ORKING TOGETHER TO REDUCE THE ADVERSE
I M PA C T S O F I N VA S I V E S P E C I E S I N N S W
Published by the NSW Department of Primary Industries
NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018–2021
First published March 2018
More information
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
Acknowledgments
This Plan was developed with input from a wide range of stakeholders and guided by a working group
comprising: Jane Frances, Quentin Hart, Scott Charlton, Melissa Walker, Ben Rampano, Nathan Cutter and
Bernie Dominiak of NSW Department of Primary Industries; Tim Seears, Dean Chamberlain, Ray Willis and
Daniel Shaw of Local Land Services; Peter Turner, Graham Wilson and Ben Russell of Office of Environment
and Heritage; Richard Chewings of Department of Industry; David Pomery and Reece Luxton of NSW
Weeds Officers’ Association; Mark Horan and Michael Green of NSW Farmers; and Maria Woods of Local
Government NSW and the State Weed Committee.
Cover photo credits:
Fire ant - DPI
Carp - DPI
European fanworm - Tim Glasby
Orange hawkweed - DPI
Fox - Sean Passarin
INT17/264996
JN14640 02/2018

© State of New South Wales through the Department of Industry, 2018. You may copy, distribute and otherwise freely deal with this
publication for any purpose, provided that you attribute the NSW Department of Primary Industries as the owner.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing (March
2018). However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon which they rely
is up to date and to check currency of the information with the appropriate officer of the Department of Primary Industries or the
user’s independent adviser.
CONTENTS
Message from the Minister 2
1.
Introduction 3
2.
Impacts of invasive species 5
3. Principles of invasive species management 6
4. Roles and responsibilities in invasive species management in NSW 7
5.
Prioritisation and risk assessment 11
6. NSW legislation and invasive species management 13
7.
Key deliverables 15
8. Implementing the NSW Invasive Species Plan 20
Appendix 1 – Case studies 21
Appendix 2 – Glossary of terms 35
Appendix 3 – Acronyms and Abbreviations 37

NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018-21 | 1

 Message from the Minister
On behalf of the NSW Government, I am pleased to present the NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018–2021
to guide investment and resources for managing invasive species in NSW.
Our natural environment and primary industries face significant challenges from established weeds and
pest animals. In addition, new and emerging invasive species threaten productivity and our way of life.
New challenges require new solutions.
The NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018–2021 builds on the successes of the first NSW Invasive Species Plan
and seeks to further strengthen coordination of invasive species management. It outlines mechanisms to
prevent new incursions, contain existing populations and adaptively manage widespread invasive species.
The priorities outlined in this Plan are widely supported and will help guide future investment in invasive
species management.
This plan is the product of extensive consultation with stakeholders and the community and its successful
implementation relies on their continued collaboration. Government, industry, landholders and the
community all have an important part to play and must work together to help prevent, prepare for and
manage the threats posed by invasive plants and animals.

The Hon. Niall Blair MLC

Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Regional Water, and Minister for Trade and Industry

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1. Introduction
The NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018–2021 (the Plan) is an update of the NSW Invasive Species Plan
2008–2015. The Plan supports the NSW Biosecurity Strategy 2013–2021 and identifies key deliverables
(Section 7) to help prevent new incursions, eliminate or contain existing populations and effectively
manage already widespread invasive species. Its scope includes weeds, and vertebrate and invertebrate
pests in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments. While the link between healthy ecosystems and
their resilience to biosecurity threats is noted, and it is also acknowledged that some native species can
have adverse impacts in some circumstances, native species are not covered by this Plan. Native species
are protected by law in NSW and issues associated with managing native species impacts should be
addressed separately in consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and having regard
to the regulatory requirements of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
The Plan adopts four goals (consistent with the broad objectives of the NSW Biosecurity Strategy)
to achieve this:
Goal 1: Exclude – prevent the establishment of new invasive species
Goal 2: Eradicate or contain – eliminate, or prevent the spread of new invasive species
Goal 3: Effectively manage – reduce the impacts of widespread invasive species
Goal 4: Capacity building – ensure NSW has the ability and commitment to manage invasive species.
By identifying strategies and key deliverables under these goals, the Plan will help guide investment and
resource allocation for invasive species prevention and management activities in New South Wales.
The Plan supports the NSW Biosecurity Framework (Figure 1). It complements other strategies, in particular
the NSW Biosecurity Strategy, the Australian Pest Animal Strategy, the Australian Weeds Strategy and the
National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions. NSW state, regional and
local invasive species plans should adopt the invasive species management principles outlined in
Section 3 and link back to one or more of the Plan goals.
All stakeholders – government agencies, industry, landholders and members of the community – play a
valuable role in confronting the challenges and achieving the goals and actions outlined in this Plan.

NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018-21 | 3

NATIONAL National Biosecurity Intergovernmental National Environmental
Committee Agreement on Biosecurity Biosecurity Response Agreement

Biosecurity Act 2015

NSW
Minister for Primary Industries
NSW Biosecurity Strategy

NSW Invasive Species Plan

Biosecurity Advisory Committee
Local Land Services strategic plans
• Local Land Services State Strategic Plan
• Local Land Services Local Strategic Plan

VERTEBRATE Species specif ic strategies

PEST State Pest Animal Committee • NSW Wild Dog Management Strategy
ANIMALS • NSW Wild Deer Management Strategy

Regional Pest Animal Committees Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plans

Local Management Plans

Specif ic vertebrate pest animal incursion responses

WEEDS NSW Weeds Action Program

State Weed Committee NSW New Weed Incursion Plan

NSW Weeds Capacity Building and Engagement Strategy

Regional Weeds Committees Regional Strategic Weed Management Plans

Supporting documents:
• Landholder investment plans
• New incursion plans
• Pathway analysis
• Communication strategies

AQUATIC NSW Shellf ish Committee

PESTS Guidelines for Investigating and Responding
NSW Marine Pest Working Group to Suspected Marine Pest Incursions in NSW

NSW Ornamental Fish Reference Group

Invertebrate Pest Incursion Strategy

INVERTEBRATE
PESTS Specif ic invertebrate pest incursion responses

Figure 1. Governance and guiding documents for invasive species management in NSW
2. Impacts of invasive species
Invasive species cause financial losses to agriculture and other industries, including infrastructure damage.
The cultural, public amenity and ecological impacts of invasive species can be more difficult to quantify but
they are substantial. There have been significant declines in and extinctions of Australia’s native flora and
fauna since the arrival of European settlers, with introduced pest animals and plants contributing to much
of this loss. With new introduced species being detected regularly at the national border and in the open
environment, invasive species represent one of the greatest threats to biodiversity in Australia. Invasive
species management will also need to increasingly account for changes to invasive species’ ability to
establish and spread due to climatic changes.
Wild dogs, feral pigs, wild rabbits, foxes, feral goats, feral cats, wild deer and carp are the most significant
widespread pest animals in NSW. Other pest animals, such as wild horses, rats and cane toads can cause
regional or localised problems. Pest birds such as common mynas, introduced turtles (for example red-eared
sliders) and invertebrate pests (such as invasive ants) are emerging threats. It is estimated that pest animals
cost the Australian economy over $1 billion annually and the NSW economy over $170 million annually.
Over 1650 introduced plant species have become established in NSW, with at least 300 of these weeds having
significant environmental impacts, including bitou bush, lantana, blackberry and privet. In many cases weeds
form monocultures which displace native species. Throughout agricultural areas, weeds can out-compete
crops and pasture species, resulting in lower economic returns and the need for expensive and ongoing
control measures. It is estimated that the cost of weed impacts and weed management to the NSW
agriculture sector is around $1.8 billion per annum.
More than 250 introduced marine species have been detected in Australian coastal waters to date.
Marine pests such as the northern Pacific seastar and Japanese kelp in Tasmania and Victoria, and
the Asian green mussel in Cairns, can create serious problems for marine environments and
animals, as well as the industries and communities they support. Freshwater pest fish, such
as carp and tilapia, can also out-compete native species. Aquatic pests, both marine and
freshwater, pose a significant risk to the profitability of Australia’s $2.4 billion-a-year
fisheries and aquaculture industries.
Managing the impacts of invasive species will require sustained coordinated
effort across all land tenures. A key focus of the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and
this Plan is to facilitate this objective.

NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018-21 | 5

 3.  Principles of invasive species
management
This Plan is underpinned by the following key invasive species management principles.

PLANNING
• Invasive species issues are properly defined before developing or implementing any control strategy.
• Management decisions are based on the best available knowledge, while accepting the need for a
precautionary approach where information is lacking.
• Management of invasive species is most cost-effective when new incursions are detected early and
rapid responses are implemented.
• For established invasive species, a long-term strategy involving ongoing commitment and
effort is required.
• Strategic management programs are developed in collaboration with an informed and skilled
community and involve a cross-tenure planning approach.
• Sound policy and legislative frameworks are developed.

EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT
• Targeted, coordinated and integrated programs that complement national, state, regional
and local strategies are most efficient and effective.
• An adaptive management approach incorporates monitoring of: outcomes, changing technology,
knowledge and circumstances (e.g. changing land use and seasonal conditions).
• Priority is given to invasive species management where it will deliver the greatest benefits.

DECISION-MAKING
• Management decisions are underpinned and informed by risk management systems.
• Cost-effectiveness, humaneness and target-specificity considerations are balanced.
• The variety of social and ethical values is recognised to facilitate community engagement.
• The inherent value of native species and natural ecosystems is highlighted, and the link between
healthy ecosystems and their resilience to biosecurity threats is noted.
• Best practice approaches are adopted, which minimise adverse effects of management on public
safety, off-target species, the environment and animal welfare.
• Integrated pest animal and weed management techniques are used where appropriate.

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4. Roles and responsibilities in invasive
species management in NSW
The roles and responsibilities of key parties involved in invasive species management in NSW are outlined
below. The key deliverables identified in this Plan (Section 7) will facilitate coordination and communication
between organisations and individuals. Government agencies have important roles to play in policy,
information sharing, coordination, public land management and research. However, biosecurity is a shared
responsibility that also requires the active involvement of industry, private landholders and the general
community.

MINISTERIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES

Biosecurity Advisory Committee
The Biosecurity Advisory Committee has representatives from the Game and Pest Management Advisory
Board, NSW Farmers’ Association, Nature Conservation Council of NSW, Office of Environment and Heritage,
Local Land Services and the Department of Industry. The Committee meets as required and provides advice
to the Minister for Primary Industries and the Department of Industry on implementation of the Biosecurity
Act 2015, including:
• engagement and consultation with stakeholders
• appropriateness of proposed management tools
• promotion of the new legislation
• development of education and advisory material to facilitate a greater understanding of
obligations to support compliance
• preparation of a State of Biosecurity Report to Parliament each parliamentary term.

State Weed Committee

The State Weed Committee is responsible for ensuring a coordinated and strategic approach to weed
management in NSW. The Committee:
• ensures regional weed committees operate on a tenure-neutral basis and implement regional
strategic weed management plans that are effective, risk-based and inclusive of all major stakeholders
in the landscape
• oversees the implementation of key policy and strategy documents related to weeds
• evaluates weed priorities, based on potential long-term risks and impacts to the economy, environment
and community
• will consider options for resourcing high-risk incursion management
• evaluates the effectiveness of weed management programs.
The State Weed Committee provides strategic planning advice to Regional Weed Committees to ensure
consistent approaches across the State.

NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018-21 | 7

 State Pest Animal Committee
The State Pest Animal Committee was established in 2017. Its terms of reference are broadly consistent
with those of the State Weed Committee and key responsibilities include:
• overseeing a consistent approach to the formation and ongoing operation of Regional Pest
Animal Committees
• overseeing development of tenure-neutral Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plans across
the State, to ensure they are effective, risk-based and inclusive of all major stakeholders
• advising on regional and State pest animal policy and regulation
• overseeing the implementation of key policy and strategy documents such as the Wild Dog
Management Strategy
• improving the consistency and comprehensiveness of reporting on pest animal management
inputs and outcomes across the State
• considering response options for managing high-risk incursions.

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Department of Industry
Department of Primary Industries
The Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) is the lead agency for invasive species policy in NSW.
It also takes a lead role in managing new terrestrial and aquatic invasive species incursions and for managing
established aquatic pests.
NSW DPI represents the NSW Government at national forums where invasive species management is
discussed and coordinated. Through this engagement, NSW is a signatory to national agreements relevant
to biosecurity, including the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity (IGAB), the Emergency Animal
Disease Response Agreement (EADRA), the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) and the
National Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement (NEBRA). These agreements outline the roles and
responsibilities of government and industry in responding to nationally significant incursions of emergency
animal diseases, emergency plant pests and diseases, and invasive species. The agreements also detail the
funding arrangements for those responses.
In addition, NSW DPI:
• has the lead role in administering key legislation such as the Biosecurity Act 2015
• administers the NSW Weeds Action Program 2015-2020
• has Vertebrate Pest and Weeds Research Units that collaborate nationally and internationally
to develop improved invasive species control techniques and management approaches
• administers licensing systems for recreational hunting of certain game and pest animals and
for the keeping of certain permitted non-indigenous animals
• facilitates delivery of accredited invasive species management training to promote best practice
community engagement, planning and management
• leads the implementation of the government responses to the Natural Resources Commission
reviews of weed and pest animal management.
NSW DPI develops policy and guidelines to support the work of the State Weed Committee and State Pest
Animal Committee to ensure a consistent approach to planning, operations and enforcement across the state.

8 |
Local Land Services
Local Land Services (LLS) is the interface between landholders and Government across invasive species
management. LLS is responsible for the operational aspects, including planning and coordination, of
terrestrial pest animal management. LLS builds the capacity of landholder groups to undertake pest animal
management, including education and compliance related to landholder obligations under the Biosecurity
Act 2015 and Local Land Services Act 2013. LLS also provides operational assistance during invasive species
incursions and surveillance operations.
Key roles of LLS in relation to invasive species include:
• capacity building and technical advice
• regional lead organisation for the NSW Weeds Action Program 2015-2020
• facilitating the planning processes of Regional Pest Animal Committees and Regional
Weeds Committees
• distributing the vertebrate pesticide 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) and provider of associated
training for landholders
• coordinating large-scale cross-tenure pest animal control programs with associated landholder
communication and compliance activities as necessary
• supporting applied research and extension of latest research results.

Department of Industry - Lands and Water

The Department of Industry (DoI) - Lands & Water operates under the NSW Department of Industry and is
responsible for facilitating the sustainable use of land and natural resources to deliver social and economic
benefits for NSW. DoI - Lands & Water is responsible for managing some of the most iconic and diverse public
land in NSW. The NSW Crown Estate represents approximately 42% of the State of NSW and is valued at $12
billion. DoI - Lands & Water develops, funds 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 its behalf, including Community Trusts and Councils.
DoI - Lands & Water incorporates a risk-based approach to managing invasive species on Crown land, in
collaboration with neighbouring landholders and other land management agencies where appropriate.
This includes education, extension, project implementation, audit, and compliance activities.

Forestry Corporation
Forestry Corporation manages around 2 million hectares of native forests for sustainable timber production,
recreation and biodiversity. Forestry Corporation manages invasive species where they are a threat to the
productivity and/or biodiversity of native forests and where they are a threat to neighbouring properties. Forestry
Corporation also allows for recreational hunting of pest animals on its lands and has assessed each declared NSW
State forest to decide whether it should be open to Restricted-Licensed hunters, and the access conditions.

Office of Environment and Heritage

The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) develops and implements management strategies for invasive
species on more than 7 million ha (approximately 9% of the State) of lands managed under the National Parks
and Wildlife Act 1974. OEH works collaboratively with stakeholders including Local Land Services and Regional
Weeds Committees. OEH also develops, coordinates and reports on statewide initiatives to reduce the impacts
of invasive species on biodiversity. Initiatives such as the Saving our Species (SOS) program identify specific pest
management actions to protect threatened species, ecological communities and other important biodiversity
assets. The SOS program also includes specific strategies to address Key Threatening Processes, many of which are
invasive species. OEH undertakes research into new invasive species control tools and monitors the effectiveness
of invasive species management on lands it manages. OEH also has an advisory role to DPI on environmental
invasive species management across NSW and sits jointly with DPI on the National Biosecurity Committee.

NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018-21 | 9

 Local Control Authorities
Local Control Authorities (LCAs) may include Local Councils and Weeds County Councils. They are responsible
for the implementation of priority weed control programs, including enforcement, conducting inspections,
controlling weeds on LCA-managed lands and providing education, training and resources for both the public
and for staff. LCAs together with Regional Weed Committees have the primary responsibility for delivering
the NSW Weed Action Program via management programs throughout the state. Local councils also have
obligations under the Local Land Services Act 2013 and Companion Animals Act 1998 to manage both pest and
domestic animals on land they own, occupy or manage. Local councils play an important role in coordinated
pest control programs for weeds and pest animals.

Other public land managers and relevant agencies

All Federal, State and local government agencies 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 a commercial value containing harvestable resources; land used for the State’s
infrastructure or transport corridors; and land that has not been claimed for any specific purpose.
Emergency management capability is an important component of biosecurity. The NSW Office of Emergency
Management has developed an Emergency Risk Management Framework and has considered biosecurity
risks as part of this.

OTHER STAKEHOLDERS
Industry (including private land managers)
Key roles of industry in invasive species management include:
• managing invasive species on land and in aquatic environments used for production
• managing risks when trading in potential or known invasive species used for, or held by, nurseries, zoos
and collectors, agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture and biofuel developments
• managing vectors or pathways for invasive species to prevent the establishment of invasive species, through
movement of goods, produce and equipment or related activities such as the disposal of ships’ ballast.

Research and innovation organisations

NSW DPI’s Vertebrate Pest and Weeds Research Units and other NSW government agencies, universities and
other research and innovation organisations play a significant role in driving advances in invasive species
technology and management. National and international collaboration for pest animal and weed research is
facilitated through the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions.

Special interest groups and community organisations

This 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 work on conserving biodiversity, which increases the resilience of our
natural environment to pest animals and weeds. Building capacity throughout the community and
sharing biosecurity responsibilities is essential.

Community
All members of the community have an important role to play in minimising the impacts of invasive species,
including detecting and reporting new incursions. Eradication attempts need community
support to be successful and land owners, occupiers and the public in general also have roles to play in
the ongoing management of established pest animals and weeds on their own land, in collaboration
with their neighbours and community.
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 5. Prioritisation and risk assessment
With limited resources to address the risks and impacts of invasive species, activities and investment
must be prioritised.
Invasive species management can be classified under four approaches: Prevention, Eradication,
Containment and Asset-Based Protection. These four approaches are aligned with the invasion process
from arrival to widespread establishment (as illustrated in Figure 2).

Generalised Invasion Curve showing actions appropriate to each stage

ASSET BASED PROTECTION

Invasive species widespread
AREA OCCUPIED

and abundant throughout

its potential range

CONTAINMENT
Rapid increase in
distribution and abundance,
many populations

ERADICATION
Small number of
localised populations

PREVENTION
Species absent

TIME

Entry of invasive species

ECONOMIC RETURNS (indicative only)

1:100 1:25 1:5–10 1:1–5

PREVENTION ERADICATION CONTAINMENT ASSET BASED PROTECTION

*Invasion Curve sourced from Biosecurity Victoria, Department of Primary Industries, Victoria

Figure 2: The ‘Invasion Curve’ provides an indicative guide of the importance and relative cost-effectiveness of
managing invasive species before they establish large populations. The actual economic return at each stage
depends on the species and location.

The most cost-effective way to minimise the impacts of invasive species is to prevent their incursion in the first
instance. This requires being able to identify high risk species, thoroughly assess their potential invasiveness,
and implement effective barriers to prevent their establishment. The risks posed by an incursion of a novel
invasive species (animal or plant) is informed by data on whether it has invaded other countries, its biology,
its native range, preferred habitat, suitable climate and how well this matches conditions in NSW and
Australia. Formal risk assessment techniques for invasive species estimate likelihood (including of successful
reproduction, establishment and spread) and consequences (including environmental and economic impacts
and social considerations).

NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018-21 | 11

 New incursions can colonise areas rapidly and successful control will be highly dependent on a rapid effective
response. The challenge in the initial stages of establishment is to ensure early detection, reporting and rapid
action by developing and deploying effective and efficient ways to eradicate or contain the introduced species
before it becomes widespread. This usually results in a species-led approach.
Once widespread, the eradication of pest animals and plants over wide areas of different land tenure is rarely
practical. Priorities for the control of these species must be determined and resources focused in areas where
the benefits of control will be greatest. This requires identifying the priority assets that are most at risk. Assets
may be environmental, primary production or community (human health, infrastructure or cultural).
A prioritised approach to invasive species management ensures maximum benefit from finite resources.
The large number of weed species in NSW has led to the development of a formal quantified Weed Risk
Management (WRM) system to provide a transparent process for prioritising management in NSW. Although
the number of pest animal species in NSW is relatively small, aspects of the WRM system will be considered in
developing prioritisation guidelines to support Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plans.
The general community and landholders also have a role in prioritisation to maximize the use of limited
invasive species management resources. Under the Biosecurity Act 2015, public and private landholders will
be able to work through regional committees to identify the priority invasive species that require cooperative
cross-tenure management.
At all levels (local, regional, state and national) and stages of invasion (prevention, eradication, containment
and asset protection), monitoring of invasive species management activities is required. Monitoring measures
the effectiveness of our actions in reducing the impacts of invasive species and provides data about return on
investment. Using this information, invasive species programs can be reviewed and evaluated, and investment
of resources (human and financial) realigned as required. Regional weed and pest animal plans will be
supported by a ‘MERI’ (Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement) framework to ensure that
plans evolve to reprioritise invasive species and management areas and actions as required.

12 |
6. NSW legislation and invasive
species management
The NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 (the Act) and Biosecurity Regulation 2017 came into effect on 1 July 2017. The
Act supports national commitments under the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity and addresses a
key goal (Goal 4) of the NSW Biosecurity Strategy 2013–2021.
The Act has replaced 10 existing Acts and parts of four other Acts with a single Act. A consistent approach
will make it easier for stakeholders and regulators to effectively manage biosecurity risks to the economy,
environment and the community.
The Act:
• embeds the principle that biosecurity is a shared responsibility
• provides modern, flexible tools and powers that allow effective management of pest animals and diseases,
weeds and contaminants across the landscape regardless of whether it is private or public land
• minimises delays and define responsibilities in emergency situations
• provides for risk-based decision-making that enables a flexible approach to responding to and managing
biosecurity risks regardless of the type of biosecurity matter
• supports a national approach to biosecurity and gives effect to intergovernmental biosecurity agreements.
There is strong alignment between the first three goals of the Invasive Species Plan and the management
tools and powers available through the Act:

GOAL 1 – EXCLUDE
Under the Act, high risk pests and diseases that need to be excluded are identified as Prohibited Matter.
‘Mandatory Measure’ provisions under the Act may help prevent the establishment of new pest populations,
e.g. by making it illegal to transport, sell or release high-risk invasive species. The Act also provides emergency
powers that allow swift action to be taken to respond to significant biosecurity risks.

GOAL 2 – ERADICATE OR CONTAIN

The Act allows for the creation of ‘Control Orders’ and ‘Biosecurity Zones’ to deal with high priority new and
emerging pest species. Generally, Control Orders will be made to identify requirements for eradication of new
species, while Biosecurity Zones will be used to provide for longer term management of emerging species
that can be contained but for which eradication is no longer considered feasible.

GOAL 3 – EFFECTIVELY MANAGE

For widespread invasive species, the primary management tool is the ‘General Biosecurity Duty’. The General
Biosecurity Duty provides that any person who deals with biosecurity matter (such as pest animals or weeds) and
who knows (or ought to know) of the biosecurity risk posed (or likely to be posed), has a biosecurity duty to ensure
that the risk is prevented, eliminated or minimised as far as is reasonably practicable. The General Biosecurity
Duty may be guided by statewide strategies or programs, codes of practice and industry standards, and local and
regional plans. For example, the Regional Strategic Weed Management Plans and Regional Strategic Pest Animal
Management Plans will identify priorities and actions for the management of weeds and pest animals in each
LLS region and help define how the General Biosecurity Duty may be discharged for priority species.

NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018-21 | 13

 Key NSW legislation relevant to invasive species management which will operate in tandem with the
NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 includes:
• Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016
• National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974
• Local Government Act 1993
• Local Land Services Act 2013 – particularly Part 3 (Community Advisory Groups) and Part 10 (Pests)
– and Local Land Services Amendment Act 2016
• Forestry and National Park Estate Act 1998
• Crown Land Management Act 2016
• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979
• Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002
• Border Fence Maintenance Act 1921 (formerly known as Wild Dog Destruction Act 1921).

14 |
7. Key deliverables
This section identifies the key deliverables against the four Goals of this Plan.
See Appendix 3 for acronyms used in this section.

GOAL 1 - EXCLUDE: Prevent the establishment of new invasive species

Outcomes Strategies Key deliverables Responsibility Timeframe
(lead agency
identified in
bold text where
appropriate)

1.1 Improved 1.1.1 Develop species and Maintain published resources DPI Ongoing
identification pathway risk assessment providing guidance on priority
and frameworks that are consistent non-indigenous animal and
management of with national approaches plant identification and
high risk species where appropriate management of high-risk
and pathways species and pathways
1.1.2 Review legislative
arrangements for control of
Support the Ornamental Plant SWC June 2018
high risk species and pathways
working group to develop
1.1.3 Implement legislation, codes of practice, including an
education and enforcement agreed plant risk assessment
programs for effective process
management of high risk
species and pathways Weeds Information Database DPI Ongoing
kept up-to-date and summary
1.1.4 Work with industry to
content from database is made
mitigate risk, including codes of
publicly available
practice and labelling standards

1.2 Improved 1.2.1 Continually review and Facilitate research and DPI, CISS, All NSW Ongoing
early detection improve early detection adoption of new detection land management
capabilities capabilities technologies agencies and
industry groups
1.2.2 Undertake regular
foresighting to identify and
address emerging trends Develop Biosecurity Orders DPI June 2017
that could lead to increased (Permitted Activities) under with ongoing
biosecurity risks the Biosecurity Act 2015 to review
support policy and procedures
1.2.3 Improve capacity (people,
for reporting and responding
equipment and processes) to
to new incursions
identify and report suspected
new invasive species
Provide education and DPI, All NSW land Ongoing
1.2.4 Increase public training programs to raise management
awareness of incursion risk and awareness of incursion risk agencies and
reporting mechanisms and reporting amongst front- industry groups
line government staff, key
stakeholder groups and the
general community

Enhance non-indigenous DPI Ongoing

animal and plant on-line and
hotline reporting processes

NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018-21 | 15

GOAL 2 – ERADICATE OR CONTAIN :
Eliminate or prevent the spread of new invasive species
Outcomes Strategies Key deliverables Responsibility Timeframe
(lead agency
identified in
bold text where
appropriate)

2.1 Improved 2.1.1 Develop more Establish an intra- DPI, LLS, March 2018
rapid response structured processes to government response OEH, Local
capabilities to respond to invasive group and Memorandum Government
eradicate or species reports of Understanding to guide
contain new follow-up actions and
2.1.2 Develop incursion
incursions responsibilities for reported
response plans for extreme
terrestrial and freshwater
risk species
aquatic vertebrate incursions
2.1.3 Develop rapid
response plans and cost- Coordinate compliance DPI, NSW Police, Ongoing
sharing agreements activities for prohibited matter LLS, LCAs
and dealings
2.1.4 Develop a decision-
making framework to make
recommendations on when Assist the Invasive Plants and DPI, OEH Ongoing
eradication should be Animals Committee and the
attempted and the transition National Incursion Prevention
points from eradication > and Response Facilitator to
containment > ongoing develop national protocols for
management incursion response
2.1.5 Maintain a sufficient
Update NSW New Weed DPI, SWC June 2018
statewide network of
Incursion Plan
biosecurity staff to respond
to incursions
Develop regional incursion
prevention and response plans
>Weeds RWCs March 2018
>Pest animals RPACs December 2018

Adopt relevant components DPI, OEH March 2018

of the National Incursion
Prevention and Response Plan
for Terrestrial Snakes

Develop a Tilapia Response DPI June 2018

Plan for Incursions in NSW

16 |
GOAL 3 – EFFECTIVELY MANAGE : reduce the impacts of widespread invasive species
Outcomes Strategies Key deliverables Responsibility Timeframe
(lead agency
identified in
bold text where
appropriate)
3.1 Management 3.1.1 Prioritise invasive species Regional management plans
programs management at the regional published that identify
prioritised to give level through regional pest priority invasive species and Completed
more targeted animal and weed management management areas (ongoing
effort and greater strategies >Weeds RWCs review)
benefit
3.1.2 Prioritise management >Pest animals RPACs July 2018
efforts based on current and
NPWS Regional Pest OEH July 2018
potential impacts
Management Strategies are
3.1.3 Programs are measured updated and implemented
with clear benchmarks to
ensure results are quantified Saving our Species key actions OEH Ongoing
implemented for invasive species

WoNS strategies implemented RWCs, All NSW Ongoing

land management
agencies and
groups

NSW provides input to the DPI, OEH Ongoing

development of plans for
Established Pests of National
Significance

3.2 Improved 3.2.1 Management is Authorised officers DPI, LLS Ongoing

management undertaken according to communicate biosecurity
effectiveness best practice management obligations and best practice
guidelines and Standard management to landholders
Operating Procedures and the general community
3.2.2 Encourage co-operative Standard Operating Procedures DPI, LLS, OEH June 2019
programs that use integrated for pest animal management
management across all tenures updated to facilitate adoption
of current best practice
3.2.3 Consider opportunities
for management responses
to include land use change, Maintain and expand the DPI August 2018
commercial harvesting, NSW Weed Biological Control
recreational hunting/fishing etc. Taskforce
3.2.4 Utilise new and
innovative techniques to
Produce State of Biosecurity DPI, BAC Each
increase efficiency and
report that includes information Parliamentary
effectiveness
on status and management of term
3.2.5 Ensure regulatory invasive species at all stages of
framework is implemented to Invasion Curve
back up voluntary actions
Provide information for invasive OEH, DPI Every three
3.2.6 Large management species section of State of the years
programs should have Environment report
monitoring, reporting and
feedback processes in place to
allow continual refinement of
management approach

NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018-21 | 17

GOAL 4 – CAPACITY BUILDING :
Ensure NSW has the ability and commitment to manage invasive species
Outcomes Strategies Key deliverables Responsibility Timeframe
lead agency identified
in bold text where
appropriate

4.1 Roles and 4.1.1 Ensure roles and Invasive Species Plan defines DPI March 2018
responsibilities responsibilities for each roles and responsibilities
are clear for stakeholder are clearly
invasive species defined
management

4.2 Private 4.2.1 Inform stakeholders of Produce print and web material
landholders their obligations under the to inform stakeholders about
and the general Biosecurity Act 2015 new arrangements under the
community Biosecurity Act 2015:
4.2.2 Identify opportunities June 2017
are motivated
for community involvement in > General material DPI, LLS and ongoing
to support
biosecurity
biosecurity at > Regional Strategic Weed RWCs July 2017
all stages of 4.2.3 Maintain and build on Management Plans
invasion curve existing volunteer networks
> Regional Strategic Pest RPACs July 2018
4.2.4 Provide a range of Animal Management Plans
information, education and
> Material to support aquatic DPI Ongoing
training resources
biosecurity
4.2.5 Raise awareness of the
Conduct Community-based DPI Ongoing
importance of reporting
Social Marketing and other
new incursions and provide
social research to understand
accessible mechanisms for
how to best engage with
reporting
various stakeholder groups

Continue to support pest All NSW land Ongoing

animal content on PestSmart management
Connect website agencies and
industry groups

Maintain and enhance NSW DPI Ongoing

WeedWise app

Review aquatic pest advisory DPI June 2018

materials

4.3 Skilled 4.3.1 Maintain availability of Develop a training package DPI, LLS June 2017
workforce competency-based education for all authorised biosecurity and ongoing
implementing and training courses officers to facilitate transition
invasive species to the Biosecurity Act 2015
4.3.2 Maintain an adequate
management
network of biosecurity Review formal training courses All NSW land Ongoing
professionals across the state and materials for government management
that can be rapidly deployed personnel to ensure they agencies
to manage biosecurity account for new policy and
emergencies procedures

Maintain the Extranet for weeds DPI Ongoing

management professionals and
other collaborations such as
communities of practice

Provide fora for invasive DPI, Weed Biennial weed

species professionals to share Society, LLS, and pest animal
information in person OEH conferences

18 |
GOAL 4 – CAPACITY BUILDING :
Ensure NSW has the ability and commitment to manage invasive species
Outcomes Strategies Key deliverables Responsibility Timeframe
lead agency identified
in bold text where
appropriate

4.4 Improved 4.4.1 Maintain research Maintain pest animal and All NSW land Ongoing
tools to monitor capacity and links with weed research capacity, management
and manage relevant national and including staff succession, agencies,
invasive species international research equipment and site-based industry,
organisations facilities universities
4.4.2 Identify research Development and integration DPI, LLS, OEH Ongoing
priorities and potential of biosecurity information
funding sources systems
4.4.3 Develop and promote
an information management
system to improve capacity
to understand and deal with
biosecurity threats

4.5 Legislation 4.5.1 Develop regulations and Development and promotion DPI July 2017
and policy policy under the Biosecurity Act of regulations under the with ongoing
supports 2015 that increases community Biosecurity Act 2015 review
effective action involvement in invasive
Develop NSW Weeds Capacity DPI, SWC March 2018
at all stages of species management
Building and Engagement
invasion curve
4.5.2 Ensure that consistent Strategy
community engagement,
planning, implementation,
Ongoing involvement in DPI, OEH Ongoing
monitoring and compliance
national processes such
approaches are employed
as National Biosecurity
across NSW
Committee and Invasive Plants
4.5.3 Maintain involvement and Animals Committee
in national processes,
committees and agreements
to facilitate more consistent
invasive species management
approaches nationally

4.6 Commitment 4.6.1 Invasive Species Plan Publish Invasive Species Plan DPI March 2018
to implement 2018-2021 identifies key
and monitor deliverables, timeframes and Ongoing review of key SWC, SPAC, Ongoing
progress of the responsible parties deliverables under Invasive NSW Shellfish
Invasive Species Species Plan Committee and
4.6.2 Progress against Invasive
Plan 2018-2021 NSW Marine Pest
Species Plan is tracked
regularly by SWC, SPAC, NSW Working Group
Shellfish Committee and NSW Final review of 2018-2021 DPI 2021
Marine Pest Working Group Invasive Species Plan
4.6.3 Conduct end of
Plan review

NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018-21 | 19

 8. Implementing the NSW Invasive
Species Plan
The NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018–2021 is a strategic document that will guide resources for invasive
species management in NSW. The Plan identifies key deliverables for the next four years but will be flexible
to allow for new technologies and strategies.
Agencies, stakeholders and community groups all have a role to play in the implementation of this
Plan. For example, the Plan will help guide regional prioritisation and work programs for weed and pest
animal management.
NSW has formal stakeholder consultative frameworks through which invasive species management issues are
discussed, including the State Pest Animal Committee, State Weed Committee, NSW Shellfish Committee and
NSW Marine Pest Working Group. Committees such as these allow key stakeholders, including peak industry
bodies, Local Control Authorities, public and private land managers and non-government organisations, to set
policy direction and guide regional management prioritisation. NSW DPI will coordinate monitoring of and
reporting against implementation of this Plan in consultation with the sectoral committees that are involved
in invasive species management in NSW. The Biosecurity Advisory Committee will have an oversight role.
A formal review of progress against the identified key deliverables will be conducted at the end (2021)
of the Plan period.

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Appendix 1 - CASE STUDIES
The following case studies provide examples of work in NSW that address particular stages of the
Invasion Curve (see Figure 2).

CASE STUDY 1
Protecting NSW from the biosecurity threats of non-indigenous
animals: African pygmy hedgehog

ASSET BASED PROTECTION

CONTAINMENT

ERADICATION

PREVENTION

In 2014, acting on information provided by aASSET BASED PROTECTION

concerned member of the public, NSW DPI executed a search
warrant, and seized an African pygmy hedgehog, Atelerix albiventris, from a private residence. During
the property inspection the African pygmy hedgehog was discovered in a cage in a wardrobe. The DPI
CONTAINMENT
regulatory officer investigating the matter also identified a number of illegally kept non-indigenous snakes,
lizards and turtles kept at the residence. In the conviction of the offender, the court raised the seriousness
of the offenceERADICATION
and the dangers to the environment and the economy of unlawfully keeping such animals.
The African pygmy hedgehog is bred and sold as a pet in some countries, including in North America and
PREVENTION
the United Kingdom. However, the species is prohibited throughout Australia for a number of reasons,
including its potential to introduce exotic animal diseases and because the species has the ability to
become a serious invasive pest in Australia. Hedgehog species have a proven history as an invasive pest and
have established feral populations in New Zealand and Scotland. Once established in a new environment,
hedgehogs are able to cause damage to native species
ASSET BASEDincluding insects, snails, lizards and ground-nesting
PROTECTION
birds, particularly shore birds. Hedgehogs also have the potential to seriously damage the Australian
economy due to their ability to harbour exotic animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease. Other
endemic diseases carried byCONTAINMENT
hedgehogs including Salmonella, Q fever and Toxoplasmosis which are all
capable of being transmitted to humans.

ERADICATION

PREVENTION

NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018-21 | 21

ASSET BASED PROTECTION

 In 2014, NSW DPI embarked on work with an international research group to analyse the DNA of the seized
animal to determine its genetic relatedness to other African pygmy hedgehog populations. This work will help
regulatory agencies to understand what markers are unique to different populations around the world, and
will also help to understand disease threats based on the endemic diseases of those regions.
Photo: An African pygmy hedgehog seized by NSW DPI (Credit: NSW DPI)

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 CONTAINMENT

ERADICATION

CASE STUDY 2
PREVENTION

Mouse-ear hawkweed eradication in Kosciuszko National Park

ASSET BASED PROTECTION

CONTAINMENT

ERADICATION

PREVENTION

Hawkweeds are major weeds in New Zealand that affect both conservation and agriculture, with over
6 million ha impacted on the South Island alone. Hawkweeds are State Prohibited Weeds in NSW under the
Biosecurity Act 2015. On 2 January 2015, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) received a report of
Mouse-ear hawkweed (Hieracium pilosella) in a remote area of the Main Range in Kosciuszko National Park
(KNP). In Australia, two previous mouse-ear hawkweed populations were eradicated from Tasmania and ACT,
and another infestation is under eradication in Falls Creek, Victoria.
A small infestation (ca. 150 m2) of mouse-ear hawkweed was confirmed in an alpine herbfield, among rocky
outcrops at the top of a catchment in KNP on 15 January 2015. This is the first known infestation of mouse-
ear hawkweed in NSW, and was discovered and reported by an experienced bushwalker. It is suspected to be
an accidental introduction from New Zealand on hiking or camping equipment, as the location is a popular
winter camping area.
NPWS led the incursion response, with support from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI). Within two
weeks, the site was quarantined, the infestation was mapped and treated, monitoring plots were established,
and surveys were completed in surrounding areas. Commercial operators, volunteers, other agencies, local
governments and the community were contacted to raise awareness of the hawkweed threat, and encourage
hygiene and reporting of suspected infestations. This included signage and identification guides at trailheads,
in visitor centres and in other nearby high visitation areas. Information regarding hygiene measures, including
brush-down stations and quarantine protocols, are provided to all staff and visitors accessing that part of
the National Park. NPWS staff attended local field days and events to raise awareness in the surrounding
communities of the risk of hawkweed to agricultural areas, and to provide the community with advice on
identification and reporting mechanisms.
Eradication efforts resumed following snow-melt in summer 2015, when mouse-ear hawkweed is in flower and
more detectable at low densities. The integrated response was coordinated by NPWS, and involved a range of
participants including other government agencies and members of the public. The original infestation had been
reduced to less than 3 m². All plants were treated, and only one seeding plant was found and destroyed. Efforts
then turned to surveying the surrounding area, the steep, rocky slopes of the Main Range.
In 2015-16, two remote (helicopter assisted) surveys were conducted on the Main Range with 49 participants,
including ACT Parks, Local Government Weeds Officers, NSW DPI, Greening Australia, Canberra Bushwalking
Club, other volunteers and NPWS staff. Search teams were dropped by helicopter and conducted intense line
surveys over 182 ha within the potential distribution ‘cone’. No additional hawkweed plants were found.
Final surveillance rounds for the season were in March 2016, using Sally, a weed eradication detector dog
trained to detect mouse-ear hawkweed. She was deployed for two weeks at the incursion site to verify human

NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018-21 | 23

 surveillance efforts. Together with human teams, the dog discovered three new plants within 200m of the core
infestation area, which were controlled. These discoveries allowed NPWS to update wind dispersal models and
refine target search areas for the next season.
In 2016-17, the original infestation was monitored to ensure no regrowth, and targeted searches were
undertaken across larger adjacent areas. Ground surveillance by NPWS teams and community volunteers was
supplemented by two hawkweed detection dogs, Sally and the newly trained Connor. In February 2017, two
helicopter-assisted surveys were undertaken, which led to the discovery of a second infestation ca. 1 km from
the first site. Due to its size (230 m2) and location adjacent to a popular walking track, this is thought to be the
original incursion site. All plants have been controlled and extensive surveys were continued across the area
through April 2017. No other plants have been found.
To ensure eradication, surveillance and monitoring will continue for at least five years, or until the seedbank is
exhausted. Public education about this weed, and hygiene measures to prevent its spread, will continue to be
a priority in the high-risk areas of Kosciusko National Park.

Photos: Hawkweed detector dogs are used to search for mouse-ear hawkweed (top right) in Kosciusko National Park
24 | (Credit: NPWS)
 ASSET BASED PROTECTION

CONTAINMENT

CASE STUDY 3
ERADICATION

Red Guide Posts: preventing the further spread of

PREVENTION
high risk weeds by road users

ASSET BASED PROTECTION

CONTAINMENT

ERADICATION

PREVENTION

Weed incursions are most effectively controlled by a BASED

ASSET cooperative approach between agencies, landholders and
PROTECTION
the community. Weeds are spread in a number of ways, including mechanical spread (i.e. human or vehicle
assisted). The state pilot Red Guide Post project adopted a coordinated approach to tackling this pathway (the
means by which weeds move) by alerting road users to avoid high risk sites while management takes place.
CONTAINMENT

In 2014, the (former) Eastern & Western Riverina Noxious Weeds Advisory Groups (ERNWAG & WRNWAG) teamed up
with the (former) Lachlan Valley & Macquarie Valley Weeds Advisory Committees (LVWAC & MVWAC), 33 partnering
ERADICATION
Local Control Authorities (LCAs) and Murray LLS to develop and promote the Red Guide Post initiative.
PREVENTION
Red Guide Posts were installed along roadsides throughout NSW by LCA weed officers to notify the public
of known locations of high risk weeds. The posts alert road users to areas they are asked to avoid to prevent
further spread of these weeds along roadsides and other high risk pathways.
As at January 2016, Red Guide Posts had been installed to identify parthenium weed, Chilean needle grass,
serrated tussock and Coolatai grass sites. As aASSET BASEDinfestation
new weed PROTECTION is detected, red guide posts can be
installed at the beginning and end of the incursion zone to alert the public and assist in preventing the weeds’
spread while the site is being managed. By avoiding the site, road users help prevent the spread of invasive
species and assist weed officers to effectively manage priority weed incursions.
CONTAINMENT

ERADICATION
Photo: The Red Guide Post program included the
production and distribution of educational stickers for
PREVENTION
vehicle windows (Credit: Eastern & Western Riverina
Noxious Weeds Advisory Groups)

ASSET BASED PROTECTION

CONTAINMENT

ERADICATION
NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018-21 | 25
PREVENTION
 A major component of the pilot project was the development of resources which Roads & Maritime Services,
LLS and other LCAs are encouraged to use across the state. Resources produced through this project include
TV commercials, radio advertisements, fuel nozzle advertising, fact sheets and other educational materials
(see www.riverinaweeds.org.au for details and to download resources). The use of these resources will help
ensure state-wide consistency. The resources help agencies to engage with road users and encourage them to
be proactive and avoid high risk sites.
Key project outcomes included a reduction in unauthorised works taking place in red guide posted areas, and
increased community acceptance of, and involvement in, effective invasive species management. The Red
Guide Post program was an award-winning and innovative approach to community engagement for high risk
weed management.

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 CONTAINMENT

ERADICATION

CASE STUDY 4
PREVENTION

Efforts to keep tilapia out of the Murray Darling Basin

ASSET BASED PROTECTION

CONTAINMENT

ERADICATION

PREVENTION

ASSET BASED PROTECTION

Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) are an internationally recognised pest fish that originate from the warm waters of
southern Africa. Tilapia are hardy fish that tolerate both fresh and salty water and were a popular ornamental
species before being banned in NSW and other Australian jurisdictions. They can tolerate a wide range of
environmental conditions and CONTAINMENT
are known to aggressively compete with other fish species for food and space.
Tilapia have established wild pest populations that dominate native fish communities in parts of Queensland,
ERADICATION
including catchments that lie directly adjacent to the Murray Darling Basin (MDB). As with many pest fish
incursions, it is thought the first tilapia incursions in Queensland and their subsequent spread are likely to
PREVENTION
have been facilitated by deliberate or accidental actions by community members. So far, tilapia have not
been detected in the MDB, however a coastal population of O. mossambicus was detected in northern NSW
in November 2014 and research has suggested the species could become widespread if it were to be
introduced into the MDB.
ASSET BASED PROTECTION

CONTAINMENT

ERADICATION

PREVENTION

ASSET BASED PROTECTION

CONTAINMENT

ERADICATION

Photo: Community awareness and ability to identify Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) will be important to track
PREVENTION
any spread of the species in NSW waterways (Credit: Biosecurity Queensland)

NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018-21 | 27

ASSET BASED PROTECTION

 In 2010, a joint project by the NSW and Queensland governments and the MDB Authority recognised the
critical importance of stakeholder education in excluding tilapia from the MDB. The project identified areas
at high risk of tilapia incursion, and gathered information on community understanding of pest fish issues,
as well as attitudes and behaviours that may contribute to the spread of tilapia. This information was then
used to develop an education package that was presented and distributed in the high risk areas to improve
knowledge of pest fish issues and reduce the risk of tilapia being intentionally translocated into the MDB.
The project also identified the need to increase the ability of government and the community to rapidly
detect and respond to new tilapia incursions. Subsequently, the research component of the project aimed
to improve traditional physical surveillance techniques, including electrofishing and netting. This was
complemented by an Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre project that investigated emerging rapid
detection techniques such as the genetic diagnostic tool known as environmental DNA (eDNA), which has
been successfully used to detect and monitor fish species in other parts of the world. This technique has the
potential to allow much earlier detection of a new tilapia incursion in NSW when physical sampling methods
have limited success. Researchers from Queensland are continuing to investigate the potential use of eDNA to
detect tilapia in Australian environments, and the incursion in northern NSW was used as a test-case for this
tool in NSW waters.
It is hoped that the combination of education of waterway users, improved science and a coordinated
management approach will prevent the further spread of tilapia into new river systems, particularly the
MDB, and that populations can be contained and managed at environmentally acceptable levels into the
future. These ongoing actions will assist in the protection of our natural environment and help sustain native
freshwater fish populations for future generations.

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 CONTAINMENT

ERADICATION

PREVENTION
CASE STUDY 5
Bitou bush management: protection of environmental assets

ASSET BASED PROTECTION

CONTAINMENT

ERADICATION

PREVENTION

ASSET BASED PROTECTION

Bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata) is a South African invasive shrub that was
inadvertently introduced to Australia, then deliberately planted on the NSW coast from 1946 to 1968, to
stabilise coastal sand drifts and revegetate dunes following mining.
CONTAINMENT
Concerns about the impact of Bitou bush on native species and ecological communities resulted in its listing
as a Weed of National Significance (WoNS), a noxious weed, and as a Key Threatening Process under the NSW
ERADICATION
Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. As it is widespread and unlikely to be eradicated, control efforts are
targeted at containing spread and protecting important environmental assets.
PREVENTION

Photo: Bitou bush invading oceanfront dunes (Credit: Hillary Cherry)

ASSET BASED PROTECTION

CONTAINMENT

ERADICATION

PREVENTION

ASSET BASED PROTECTION

CONTAINMENT

ERADICATION

PREVENTION

NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018-21 | 29

 In 2006, the NSW Bitou Bush Threat Abatement Plan (TAP) outlined an approach for the protection of
environmental assets at risk from Bitou bush. The TAP prioritised sites for control by considering biodiversity
impact and likelihood of effective control. The core objectives of the plan were to: (i) undertake control
where benefits to biodiversity are greatest, including control ameliorating impacts to priority biodiversity,
and contain the northern and southern spread (as per the Bitou bush WoNS strategy); and (ii) evaluate the
effectiveness of control programs in protecting biodiversity.
Stakeholders including the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Local Government, LLS, community
groups and Crown Lands worked together to implement the TAP across various tenures. In 2011, after five
years of implementation, the TAP was reviewed. Some key outcomes included:
• strategic management of Bitou bush was achieved at almost three quarters of the 157 managed sites
that were the highest priority for conservation
• Bitou bush density and extent were reduced in national containment zones, which led to the
establishment of Biosecurity Zones for this species under the Biosecurity Regulation 2017
(Figure 3 below)
• monitoring programs were established at 76 sites, and where data was sufficient and long-term control
programs were in place, results indicated an increase in the abundance of native plant species.

4000

3500 >40% cover

3000 10-40% cover

Area of bitou bush (ha)

<10% cover
2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0
SCZ 2001 SCZ 2008 NCZ 2001 NCZ 2008
Containment zone and year

Figure 3. Change in area and density of bitou bush in the southern (SCZ) and northern national
containment zone (NCZ). 

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 CONTAINMENT

ERADICATION

CASE STUDY 6
PREVENTION

Targeted control of foxes to protect threatened species and livestock

ASSET BASED PROTECTION

CONTAINMENT

ERADICATION

PREVENTION

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was introduced into Victoria in the 1870s, spreading across southern Australia
ASSET BASED PROTECTION
through the late 1800s and early 1900s. Foxes are now widespread across mainland Australia and eradication
is not feasible with current control techniques. Management should therefore be targeted to protect
important assets, such as threatened species and livestock, from fox impacts.
CONTAINMENT
The spread of foxes contributed to regional declines and extinctions of a wide range of native fauna,
particularly among medium-sized non-flying mammals, ground-nesting birds and freshwater turtles.
ERADICATION
It coincided with regional extinctions of several species of bettong, the greater bilby, numbat, bridled
nailtail wallaby and the quokka. Many of these species now persist only on islands or areas of the mainland
PREVENTION
where foxes are rare or absent. Similarly, foxes have been linked to regional extinctions of four species of
ground-nesting birds from western NSW and the decline of a further seven species of ground-nesting birds.
Experimental studies have shown that foxes can limit populations of several species of rock-wallabies, the
eastern grey kangaroo, brush-tailed bettong, long-nosed potoroo, numbat, several species of bandicoots,
common brushtail possum, common ringtail possum, swamp wallaby and the Murray River turtle. Foxes have
ASSET BASED PROTECTION
also caused the failure of numerous attempts to reintroduce threatened native fauna into areas within their
former range.
Under the Saving Our Species program (previously NSW Fox Threat Abatement Plan), fox control for the
CONTAINMENT
protection of threatened species is maintained at more than 50 priority sites covering almost 1 million ha of
public and private lands. Collectively, these sites target significant populations of 10 threatened species of
ERADICATION
mammals, 12 threatened species of birds, five threatened species of reptiles, one endangered population of
mammals and one endangered population of birds. Integrated cross-tenure fox control is undertaken by the
PREVENTION
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services in collaboration with other land managers, including Local Land
Services, Forestry Corporation of NSW, Crown Lands, local councils and private landholders.
Site plans have been developed collaboratively with all stakeholders. The plans define the objectives of fox
control at each site and propose the extent, frequency and methods of control required to achieve these
objectives. They describe the methods of fauna monitoring and detail the collation, analyses and reporting of
data. Critically, they assign responsibility for each action and provide an estimate of costs.
Many of these sites include strong community involvement. Local community members are involved in both
monitoring the threatened species and fox activity, as well as contributing to fox control on their properties.
While the focus of these efforts is to protect those threatened species most at risk from foxes, they also have
additional benefits in protecting other local fauna and domestic livestock.

NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018-21 | 31

 Analysis of data to date has shown increases in yellow-footed rock wallabies
in Mutawinji National Park, brush-tailed rock wallabies in Kanangra Boyd
National Park, broad-toothed rats in Kosciusko National Park and bandicoots,
possums and lyrebirds on national parks and state forests across a large area
of South East NSW. Increased fledging rates of beach-nesting shorebirds,
specifically little terns and pied oystercatchers, have been observed at key
breeding sites along the NSW coast. In contrast, monitoring has found no
evidence of response at some sites because: fox control has not reduced
fox activity sufficiently; fox predation is not currently limiting populations
of the fauna monitored; monitoring has not been sufficient to measure the
size of the response; or a combination of these factors. This highlights the
importance of effective monitoring to establish the efficacy of fox control,
determine the level of response of native fauna to that control, and to use
that information to revise methods and priorities over time.
Such asset-based management needs to consider the appropriate
geographic scale and timing of pest animal management. The area of
management needs to account for the mobility of the pest species,
with foxes readily moving between properties and therefore requiring a
coordinated approach to management. The timing of management needs
to account for a wide range of factors, including: seasonal reproduction
and movement cycles of the pest species; vulnerable periods of assets to
be protected (e.g. the presence of shorebird chicks or lambs in the case of
fox predation); and seasonal conditions that may affect the deployment of
certain control techniques.

Photos: Cameras are used to monitor fox activity in rock-wallaby colonies

(Credit: OEH)

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 CONTAINMENT

ERADICATION

CASE STUDY 7
PREVENTION

Emerging techniques in invasive species management: integrated

aerial surveillance, thermal imaging and mapping pilot project

ASSET BASED PROTECTION

CONTAINMENT

ERADICATION

PREVENTION

The (former) Northern Inland Weeds Advisory Committee (NIWAC) coordinated weed management in the
ASSET BASED PROTECTION
New England and North West regions. It comprised key stakeholders from Tenterfield in the north, south
through the New England to Tamworth and the Liverpool plains, and extending west to Gunnedah, Narrabri
and Moree. The area comprised 100,000 km², and included 10 Local Control Authorities.
CONTAINMENT
Since 2010, new weed incursions of tropical soda apple and alligator weed have occurred in various
locations within the region, often occurring in inaccessible and remote areas, requiring considerable costs
and resources ERADICATION
to carry out initial surveillance, mapping, recording and control.
AsPREVENTION
part of the Weeds Action Plan 2010–2015, the (former) NIWAC coordinated a regional inspection program
for new high risk invasive species. This project took the regional inspection program to the next level by way
of a feasibility study and cost benefit analysis of integrating new technology including unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAVs), thermal imaging and a proven existing mapping system (Weedtr@cer) for the detection and
surveillance of high risk invasive weed species.

Photo: The “hexicopter”

unmanned aerial vehicle
being trialled to
detect high risk weed
incursions
NSW Invasive Species (Credit:| 33
Plan 2018-21
University of Sydney)
 The project engaged partners with proven knowledge in UAV innovative technology to build
capacity of Weed Officers in best practice techniques of aerial surveillance, thermal imagery and
integrated mapping processes.
The objectives of the project included:
• develop an in-depth understanding of current UAV applications to on-ground surveillance of
pest weed species
• investigate and determine the optimal settings for future data collection for four weed species
at different altitudes
• perform a cost–benefit analysis comparing the use of UAV surveillance and associated
maintenance and operational costs, with conventional methods including on-ground
surveillance and aerial inspections by manned helicopter
• explore the operational requirements and the technical and legal implications of the use of
UAVs in surveillance and monitoring of pest weed species.
The University of Sydney Centre for Field Robotics was engaged to study weed detection using low
altitude aerial images of tropical soda apple, serrated tussock, alligator weed and water hyacinth.
The study demonstrated that it is possible to correctly classify weeds of interest from remote
sensing data collected from a small UAV. For example, alligator weed detection was achieved
for patch sizes of 0.06 m2, while another study by the Centre for Field Robotics demonstrated
detection of orange hawkweed flowers (which only grow to 15 mm in diameter). An independent
cost–benefit analysis is being undertaken into the effectiveness and financial viability of the use of
unmanned aerial vehicles for detection and surveillance of pest weed species.
It is envisaged that this pilot project will have significant positive outcomes for the whole state by
improving the way in which inspections, surveillance and mapping of weeds is carried out.

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Appendix 2 - GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Aquatic In or on water (fresh, brackish or salt)
Best practice management Methods or techniques that integrate all available knowledge and
research that is proven to deliver the most effective, cost-efficient and
humane invasive species control, while making optimum use of existing
science and knowledge resources
Biodiversity The variety of life forms, and the different plants, animals, microorganisms
and ecosystems they form
Biosecurity Protecting the economy, environment and community from the negative
impacts of pests, weeds and diseases
Competency based Training that meets units of competency, which are agreed statements of
the skills and knowledge required for effective performance in a particular
role or function
Containment Restricting the spread of an invasive species incursion
Cross-tenure management An approach that encourages public and private land managers to
cooperatively address invasive species issues for a particular area across
all land tenures (irrespective of property boundaries) by collectively
identifying the scope of the issue and reaching agreement on the
management technique and level of resources required to address it
Emerging species A newly established invasive species whose distribution and abundance
is expanding
Eradication The permanent removal of an invasive species, including all individuals
and propagules, from a defined area that has little or no likelihood of
re-invasion
Establishment The point at which a species can reproduce at a sufficient level ensuring
survival in a new habitat without further input from outside the system
Evaluation The process or results of an assessment or appraisal in relation to stated
objectives, standards or criteria
Impacts The (usually negative) economic, environmental and/or social effects of
invasive species
Incursion An isolated population of an invasive species detected in an area where
it had not been previously known
Invasive species A species whose establishment and spread threatens ecosystems,
habitats or species with economic or environmental harm
Native species A species within its natural range (past and present)

NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018-21 | 35

 New invasive species Any introduced species that has not been recorded in the area
previously and whose impacts are likely to be significant
Pathways The passage 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
Protocol A procedure or set of rules
Public land and water Lands and water managed by public authorities
Public authorities a Minister of the Crown; and/or
a local authority constituted by or under an Act; and/or
a government department or administrative office; and/or
a statutory body representing the Crown; and/or
the trustee or trustees of land reserved or dedicated for any public use or
purpose; and/or
a member of staff or other person who exercises functions on behalf
of the above
Risk management The identification, analysis, control, minimisation or elimination of
unacceptable risks
Stakeholders Those people and organisations with an interest or concern in something
Threatened (species, populations
and ecological communities) A native species/population/ecological community whose survival is at risk,
as specified in either the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995
or the NSW Fisheries Management Act 1994
Vectors An organism or vehicle that allows the spread of an invasive species into an
area or ecosystem
Weeds Plants that are unwanted in a given situation and which usually have
detectable negative economic, environmental or social impacts

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Appendix 3 -
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
BAC Biosecurity Advisory Committee

CISS Centre for Invasive Species Solutions

CMA Catchment Management Authority

DPI Department of Primary Industries

EADRA Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement

EPPRD Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed

IGAB Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity

LCA Local Control Authority

LLS Local Land Services

MDB Murray Darling Basin

MOU Memorandum of Understanding

NEBRA National Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement

NLIS National Livestock Identification System

NPWS National Parks and Wildlife Service

OEH Office of Environment and Heritage

RPACs Regional Pest Animal Committees

RWCs Regional Weed Committees

SPAC State Pest Animal Committee

SWC State Weed Committee

TAP Threat Abatement Plan

UAV Unmanned aerial vehicle

WoNS Weed of National Significance

NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018-21 | 37

INT17/264996