Council seeking feedback on updated Biosecurity Plan

Toowoomba Regional Council is seeking community feedback on the Draft Toowoomba Region Biosecurity Plan for Invasive Plants and Animals. The Plan will replace the previous Toowoomba Region Pest Management Plan and reflects significant legislative changes regarding the management of Invasive Plants and Animals which have occurred. TRC Environment and Community General Manager, Nick Hauser said the Plan is a living, non-prescriptive resource aimed at providing guidance and tools for the management of Invasive Plants and Animals within the Toowoomba Regional Council local authority area. “The concept of a General Biosecurity Obligation (GBO) is reinforced, as well as clearly defining Council’s main function in administering the Biosecurity Act (the Act) at a local government level,” Mr Hauser said. “The draft Plan: reiterates the basic principles of Invasive Plant and Animal management. explains key aspects of the legislative basis for management of Invasive Plant and Animal Matter. aims to implement a scaleable approach to Biosecurity Management that can be equally applied across landscapes from paddock to catchments and regions. lays out Toowoomba Regional Council’s blueprint for managing Invasive Plants and Animals within its borders. explains the role Council will play in both managing biosecurity on its own lands and the approach it will take to encourage community compliance. provides tools and guidance to land owners and occupiers to assist them to meet their obligations “The Plan has been drafted in consultation with Council’s Biosecurity Advisory Committee and with reference to the Queensland Biosecurity Act (2014). “Council is now seeking community feedback to be considered ahead of final drafting. “It is expected that a final draft will be presented for adoption by Council in June 2020.” To have your say on the draft Toowoomba Regional Council Biosecurity Plan go to https://yoursay.tr.qld.gov.au/toowoomba-regional-council-biosecurity-plan, email [email protected] or phone Peter Cremasco or Jim O’Sullivan at Council’s Conservation and Pest Management team on 131 872.