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Questions On Notice Questions on notice are usually asked when a more detailed answer is required and are in writing, and are forwarded by the Clerk of the Parliament to the relevant Minister who prepares a written answer which is presented to Parliament.
Pest management and eradication programs |
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| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Jul 24 2006 |
| Questions On Notice >> |
PRE-HEARING GOVERNMENT QUESTION ON NOTICE
ESTIMATES COMMITTEE G 2006 No. 10 - asked on Monday, 3 July 2006
MR LAWLOR ASKED THE MINISTER FOR NATURAL RESOURCES,
MINES AND WATER (MR PALASZCZUK)-
QUESTION:
With reference to pages 13 and 15 of the Ministerial Portfolio Statement, I ask the Minister to detail progress being made on pest management and pest eradication programs and how will this research be further advanced in 2006- 07?
ANSWER:
During the 2005/2006 financial year, progress was made with biocontrol research for a number of important weeds. Host testing of a leaf-sucking bug for cat's claw creeper was successfully completed and an application was submitted for its release. A smut fungus that attacks Sporobolus grasses was identified in South Africa and host specificity testing commenced there. Host specificity testing for a leaf miner that attacks lantana was undertaken. Rearing and release of agents for bellyache bush, lantana and prickly acacia continued.Ecological modelling methods were developed to predict the risks and benefits prior to release of biological control agents for invasive plant species, in particular cat's claw creeper.
Pest animal ecology studies determined there was a nil effect of 1080 baiting on wild quoll populations. Information gathered from a study of wild pig diets in the Wet Tropics will be used to inform baiting strategies in these environments. Research on feral pig aerial baiting practices continued, with results indicating aerial baiting can successfully target feral pig populations. Wild dog ecology studies progressed, with the use of satellite collars helping to provide valuable information on the movements of these animals.
Preliminary results from a genetic analysis of rabbits caught in the Warwick and Stanthorpe Shires showed that this approach might be a useful tool for improving rabbit control strategies. Mouse monitoring in the southern and central grain-growing areas of Queensland has indicated that mouse numbers have remained mostly quite low.
During the 2006/2007 financial year a biocontrol program for Madeira vine will commence, with host specificity testing of one leaf-feeding beetle. It is anticipated that further overseas exploration will begin in the biocontrol programs for bellyache bush and prickly acacia. Mass rearing and release of the first cat's claw creeper biocontrol agent will occur if permission is granted. Testing of the smut fungus and a wasp that target the Sporobolus grasses will continue. It is planned that at least one lantana biocontrol agent will be able to be released, subject to the normal approval process managed by the Commonwealth Departments of Environment and Heritage, and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and a new international project on the biocontrol of Mikania vine will commence.
Aerial baiting trials using 1080 for feral pigs will be completed in southern and northern Queensland and suitable products containing cyanide will be identified prior to the establishment of preliminary field trials. A survey will be undertaken on the impacts of feral pigs in cropping landscapes.
Cage and field trials will be conducted for new rodenticides targeting mice. Residue levels of these toxins in winter crops will be determined. Cost/benefit analyses of rabbit control in southern Queensland will be undertaken, as will research into resistance to rabbit haemorrhagic disease. Research will continue on a new poison paraaminopropiophenone (PAPP) for wild dog control. Eradication programs are being implemented for 15 Class 1 pest animals and weeds. A red-eared slider turtle eradication program is being implemented in south east Queensland. Yellow crazy ants are being treated at seven sites.
Miconia tree, mikania vine, limnocharis and Koster's curse continue to be controlled through a national cost share eradication program. Queensland's contribution during the 2005/2006 financial year was $109,305, 31.5 percent of the program budget. Siam weed is also being controlled through a national cost share eradication program managed by the Department. Queensland's contribution during the 2005/2006 financial year was $117,500, 25 percent of the program budget.
Both national programs include control of all known plants, as well as survey, research, mapping and awareness activities. The Department, in partnership with SunWater, Whitsunday Shire Council, the Australian Government and the Mackay Whitsunday Natural Resource Management Group are continuing to work towards the eradication of Mimosa pigra from Queensland. Ecological research at Peter Faust Dam has contributed to improve operational procedures. Senegal tea, bitou bush, honey locust tree, hygrophila, alligator weed, badhara bush, and Chilean needle grass will continue to be subject to eradication efforts.
In addition to the above 15 Class 1 pest animals and weeds, electric ants have recently been discovered near Cairns. A joint agency response between the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and the Environmental Protection Agency is in progress. Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 12:08 PM
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