10.3 A VICTORIAN INCURSION MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR INTRODUCED EXOTIC MARINE SPECIES

The National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia's Biological Diversity recommends that well-resourced programs for the eradication or control of alien species be developed. Such programs should:

(e) develop contingency plans and have the capacity to ensure rapid eradication of any newly established and unwanted alien species or populations⁴⁷⁹

The Committee notes that the Strategy also recommends that such programs should be:

(a) ..coordinated between Commonwealth, State and Territory and local government agencies.
There are a number of initiatives, strategies, task forces into incursion management and reports addressing incursion management and encouraging the development of nationally coordinated rapid response capabilities for exotic organism invasions (Section 10.6). In addition, a number of sources of funding to assist states and territories in early eradication attempts and incursion prevention and management are available. The Committee acknowledges the significant national support and encouragement for the effective management of exotic species incursions.

In view of the urgent need for efficient management of introduced exotic species the Committee considers that Victoria should develop an Incursion Management Plan for Introduced Exotic Marine Species to be implemented within 12 months of the tabling of this report. Prime responsibility for the development and implementation of the Plan should rest with the Government department/division responsible for administering the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.

The Plan should incorporate an integrated program of detection, early control and ecosystem management carried out at all stages of invasion⁴⁸⁰ The Ballast Water Management System proposed by the Committee in Chapter 9 of this report deals with prevention of species into Victoria. The proposed Incursion Management Plan addresses the management of exotic marine species once they are introduced into Victorian waters. The issue of translocation of organisms within and between Victorian harbours would be dealt with by both the Ballast Water Management System and the Incursion Management Plan.

Recommendation 11 That the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, in consultation with relevant government agencies, industry representatives and community groups, develop and implement a Victorian Incursion Management Plan for Introduced Exotic Marine Species within 12 months of the tabling of this Report.