Biosecurity is defined as ‘protecting the economy, environment and community from the negative impacts of pests, weeds and diseases’ (NSW Invasive Species Plan). Weeds in particular pose a significant impact in the Queanbeyan-Palerang area and have the potential for even more devastating consequences if not properly managed.
QPRC’s Biosecurity program coordinates Council’s efforts to meet our obligations under the Biosecurity Act 2015. Like everyone else, Council has a duty to control priority weeds on land that we own, occupy or manage, along with other pests. Council also has obligations under the Local Land Services Act 2013 to manage pest animals on land we own, occupy or manage.
Council must also fulfil the functions of local control authority for the Queanbeyan-Palerang area. QPRC is responsible for implementing priority weed control programs, including planning, education, training, inspection, enforcement and reporting.
Council works closely with the regional weeds committee to deliver the NSW Weeds Action Program via local management programs.