Everyone is Responsible for Redlands Coast Biosecurity

Redlands Coast homeowners and businesses are being urged to act on their biosecurity obligations to ensure invasive and potentially dangerous pests are identified and managed in the City.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the legal obligations of all community members to identify, report and manage invasive plants and pests is even more critical with drought and bushfires impacting on national biodiversity.

‘Whether it’s the plant you wrongly threw out the back that turns out to be the highly invasive Mother of Millions or the advancing threat of tilapia in our waterways, they all pose risks to our future environment, economy and lifestyle.

“It is essential that Redlands Coast homeowners and businesses understand they have a legal biosecurity responsibility.

A General Biosecurity Obligation’ (GBO) under Queensland’s Biosecurity Act 2014 requires individuals to know about and manage biosecurity risks on properties, and penalties may apply if residents do not meet those obligations.

“We all must take reasonable and practical steps to prevent or minimise each biosecurity risk and play our part in stopping their spread,” Cr Karen Williams said.

“This means, for example, stopping critical threats like the potential spread of fire ants in the Redlands Coast and accidentally planting or spreading invasive plants like Singapore daisy or Captain Cook tree.

“Council has adopted a Redlands Coast Biosecurity Plan 2018 to support the biosecurity objectives for the Redlands Coast. The protocols for identifying and managing threats, include property inspections and community education.

“Inspection of known or suspected biosecurity threats on properties has been underway since last year and will continue as part of Council’s legislated obligations to identify and manage risks.

Similarly, Council continues to strategically manage known weeds and pests throughout the city. Particular invasive plants and pest animals can have direct and damaging impacts to agriculture, environment, local economy and social activities.

“We can inadvertently spread biosecurity risks unless we act to make ourselves aware of what they are. We can all work together to help protect our naturally wonderful Redlands Coast”.

“Council will be providing the details for the Redlands Coast Biosecurity Plan 2018 on its Yoursay Redland Coast webpage with an invitation to all the community to visit and provide their feedback.

“I also urge all Redlands Coast community members to visit the Biosecurity Queensland or Council’s biosecurity website pages to learn how they can act to identify and manage potential threats.”