Report recommends new species for Draft Regional Pest Management Strategy

14 June 2006

New animal and plant species were recommended for inclusion in the Auckland Regional Council Draft Regional Pest Management Strategy 2007-12, which was discussed at today's Parks and Heritage Committee.

The strategy provides the framework for managing plant and animal pests in the region, and identifies which pests need to be controlled for environmental, economic, health or cultural reasons. The Biosecurity Act 1993 requires that the Regional Pest Management Strategy be reviewed every five years.

To begin the five-yearly review process, the ARC released a preliminary discussion document in December last year, Protecting Our Natural Environment, which outlined a number of possible pest animal and plant additions to the strategy.

Louise Mason, General Manager Programmes and Partnerships, says the ARC has taken note of many of the suggestions contained in the 292 feedback submissions received on the discussion document.

"It was excellent to see such a high level of community interest in pest management, and that was reflected in the variety and quality of feedback forms we received.

"The new draft strategy will be publicly notified in mid-September, open for submission for two months, and then hearings will be held early in the New Year.

"The strategy will become operative from 1 July 2007."

Sandra Coney, Parks and Heritage Committee Chair says the Council will be seeking further public input to inform the pest management strategy.

"We will want to hear from the public again in September so we can arrive at our final strategy," she says.

"It is worth remembering that much of our pest management is carried out by community groups, farmers and residents. We are all working together to achieve the best outcome for our precious natural landscapes and native wildlife."

ENDS

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