Time to talk about pests

Southlanders have an opportunity over the next two months to tell Environment Southland what they think about rabbits, possums, gorse, broom and other pests.

A new Regional Pest Management Plan is being developed and this is a great chance for people to have their say in how pests are managed in the region –
which pests should be included, how new pests can be prevented from coming in, and when is pest management a community or landowner responsibility?

Biosecurity manager Richard Bowman said the new plan will set the scene for pest management in Southland for the next 10 years and it’s important to get it right.

“Managing current and potential pests is essential for the future of our region. As well as economic effects, strong pest management has a major part to play in enhancing our biodiversity, by reducing the impact of pest plants and animals which threaten native species.”

The Government has developed the National Policy Direction for Pest Management which will guide the formation of the plan. Regional councils throughout New Zealand have joined together and developed a list of 11 pests that are common in many regions. The intention is to develop some common rules for these pests and use this as a base for the plan. Each region will then have a number of local pests that may be especially prevalent in a specific region or may cause particular concern.

“At this stage, we need to know what the community thinks, what they see as the big issues and how they would like to see these managed,” said Mr Bowman.

“Some pests in the existing strategy may no longer need to be there, but there are other potential threats to our region that might require attention.”

An engagement document, Getting the best from pest management outlines the plan’s background, some topics for discussion, and asks questions. It has been released today and staff will be on hand to talk about the plan at the Environment Southland site (no.306 at the Southern Field Days in Waimumu).

There are a number of ways feedback can be provided, including using the form provided in Getting the best from pest management, visiting our website (www.es.govt.nz) or by contacting the biosecurity team via phone or email.

Copies of Getting the best from pest management are available from Environment Southland, on our website or by giving us a call on 0800 76 88 45.

The deadline for feedback is 31 March 2016. The information received will be collated and considered, and a draft plan prepared for public consultation.

ENDS

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