FACILITATION OF UTILISATION PRIORITIES - KNOWLEDGE AND RESEARCH

The Committee believes that the provision of basic research information is fundamental to the successful development of all forms of utilisation - and that a research and development levy on output is an appropriate way to raise the required funds. In addition, the Committee advocates the requirement for compulsory reporting so that sound statistics can be collected on the various sectors to enable sound planning.

Cooperation and collaboration produce efficiencies and can be essential to provide the full range of information needed. The Committee notes the benefits of formal institutions adopting collaborative research based on researchers from different bodies working together at a single location, as at the Waite Institute in South Australia. It considers that such an approach is worth pursuing in Victoria.

The Committee also believes that government programs of research relevant to the utilisation of native species should be undertaken in close association with those involved in these sectors. Mechanisms are required to ensure that such research is targeted and coordinated and that provision is made for the long-term studies needed to determine the ultimate effects of utilisation, which can be complex and unexpected.

Moreover, the Committee believes that research is only effective if it is communicated in a useful way to those who need to use it. It recommends that more emphasis be placed on these aspects of research.

The Committee also acknowledges the contribution of amateur researchers and recommends that the exercising of discretion in the allocation of research permits be subject to clear guidelines that provide for bona fide amateur researchers.

Initial assessment needs to be undertaken prior to using adaptive management approaches, to ensure that a small-scale utilisation activity will not have irreversible impacts in the longer term.

The Committee recommends that a mechanism be created to ensure that traditional knowledge is documented and securely stored.

Recommendation 31 31.1 That Government assistance to native flora and fauna industries be substantially increased and focussed on research and development activity. 31.2 That the targeting of State Government assistance to research and development programs reflect the priorities of relevant peak bodies, with an emphasis given to collaborative research programs. 31.3 That opportunities for the co-location of State Government research institutions and researchers with Commonwealth Government, university and industry research groups be actively pursued.

Recommendation 32 32.1 That all licences, permits and authorities to breed or propagate Australian native flora and fauna be subject to the requirement for baseline survey of surrounding areas, a reporting of production statistics and the monitoring of the flora and fauna of surrounding areas to ensure that any infiltration or cross-hybridisation is identified. 32.2 That the State Government pursue regular monitoring of native species utilisation (especially of wildflowers, ecotourism and aquaculture) by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with, if necessary, compulsory reporting. 32.3 That the State Government liaise with relevant Commonwealth agencies to seek greater input into the formulation of policy, controls and tracking mechanisms associated with the importation of aquaria fish into Australia.

RESOURCING

The Committee considers that most of its recommendations need not incur large commitments of resources, and that a `beneficiary pays' approach will generally be applicable.

Nonetheless, there will be a need for additional resources to undertake its recommendations, particularly for increased monitoring and research. The Committee is aware that the broader community, as well as individual enterprises, is likely to benefit from improved utilisation of the State's natural biota. In addition, it recognises that fledgling industries may not be in a position to support the full costs of monitoring and the research required to ensure their successful establishment. For these reasons, the Committee considers it appropriate for the Government to make a contribution to the costs of implementing its recommendations.

Recommendation 33 That the Government ensure that adequate resources are provided to implement the Recommendations contained in this report by: a) providing adequate funding to agencies and institutions responsible for implementing the Recommendations; and by b) placing appropriate levies on the industries concerned, in liaison with industry, at a level that recognises the special needs of fledgling industries.

1 These key requirements (reasons) were outlined in the Discussion Paper as to the rationale of utilising native biota, and have been slightly modified by the Committee in response to further information and submissions received.

2 Industry Commission (1998), A Full Repairing Lease - Inquiry into Ecologically Sustainable Land Management, Report No. 60, Industry Commission, Australian Government Publishing Service, ACT, pp. 133 - 150.

3 DNRE suggested that such consultation include all stakeholders, including animal welfare and conservation groups, Victorian Farmers Federation and proponents of a commercial kangaroo industry.

4 The Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Written Submissions, No. U 67.

5 Under the Commonwealth's Wildlife Protection (Regulation of Imports and Exports) Act 1982.