Draft Biosecurity Plan

Mareeba Shire Council has released a draft plan to unite community efforts to manage biosecurity within Mareeba Shire.

Council yesterday adopted the Draft Mareeba Shire Community Biosecurity Plan (2020-2025) for community consultation. Submissions are open for community feedback on the comprehensive document until Friday 18 September 2020.

The plan focuses on protecting the region’s assets and values including inland waters waterways, land areas for farm production, historical and cultural values for tourism and protecting parklands and residential spaces.

Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin said the strategy complements existing projects and programs delivered with community involvement. “These partnerships seek to promote biosecurity awareness in terms of removal and eradication of pests plants and animals,” Cr Toppin said.

The plan identifies areas of pest management responsibilities for individuals, agencies and organisations while providing landholders with strategic direction and mechanisms to assist in setting priorities for pest plant and animal management.

“We all have a responsibility when it comes to biosecurity,” Cr Toppin said.

“Council will continue to work closely with landowners and community organisations to manage biosecurity effectively.”

This plan will replace the existing Mareeba Shire Local Area Pest Management Plan which expires in November 2020 and reflects significant legislative changes regarding the management of invasive plants and animals which have occurred.

Submissions need to be made in writing preferably via email ([email protected]) or by post to PO Box 154 Mareeba Q 4880 by Friday 18  September 2020.