Report Exposes NSW's Approach to Invasive Species Needs Urgent Reform

New South Wales is facing a potential $30 billion problem by 2030 if its current approach to managing invasive species doesn't change. A government-commissioned review released in September highlights the fragmented and ineffective response to the spread of invasive species across the state, including pests like cats, foxes, and 340 varieties of weeds.

The review calls for major reforms, with more than 70 recommendations to tackle the escalating crisis. Among these are controversial proposals such as restricting pet cats’ freedoms and eliminating sporadic, fragmented funding for pest control programs.

Jack Gough, a spokesperson for the Invasive Species Council, emphasised the urgency of the situation, calling for genuine reform. “We simply can't afford to continue an unenforced, buck-passing approach to the handling of invasive species,” Gough said. His warning extends beyond NSW, as underfunded and poorly coordinated pest control efforts are common across Australia.

The report particularly criticises recent feral pig control measures in NSW. A $22.7 million program focused on reducing feral pig populations failed to provide public data on its effectiveness, with internal figures showing that culling efforts in key regions, like the Northern Tablelands, barely reached half of the target. A subsequent $13 million emergency cull during a rainy season also proved ineffective, with feral pig numbers remaining high despite the expenditure.

Beyond feral pigs, the report shines a spotlight on the biosecurity risks posed by cats. Existing pet laws are ineffective at managing the threats posed by unsupervised cats, which can spread disease and prey on native wildlife. Currently, cats cannot be lawfully seized from private property unless in a designated wildlife protection area, and even then, the laws primarily focus on protecting the cat rather than the environment.

One key recommendation is for councils to implement stricter cat containment and desexing policies to curb their environmental impact.

The report also notes a significant gap in enforcement, with only two biosecurity directions issued for pest management since the overhaul of laws in 2015. Meanwhile, the costs of managing invasive species have skyrocketed to $1.9 billion annually, and future projections suggest that changes in trade, agriculture, and climate could increase the severity of these pests.

Nationals NSW leader Dugald Saunders called the review “a wake-up call” for the Minns Labor government, urging more funding and action to combat invasive species. Likewise, Greens MP Sue Higginson highlighted the ongoing threat of fire ants in northern NSW, warning that a failure to manage biosecurity risks could lead to the decimation of the state’s environment and agricultural production.

In response, the government pointed to its record investment of $946 million in biosecurity measures, including expanded efforts to target feral pigs, assisting landholders with invasive species, and the appointment of an independent biosecurity commissioner. NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty stated that the government is committed to addressing the report’s recommendations and is reviewing current compliance measures to ensure they are effective.

A final report from the commission is expected by the end of the year (2024), but the current findings make it clear: without immediate and coordinated action, the state’s invasive species problem could soon spiral out of control.

Most Widespread Invasive Species in NSW

Weeds (by extent):

• Paterson's curse (9%)
• Sweet briar, saffron thistle, lantana, horehound, prickly pear (5%)
• Blackberry, African boxthorn, fireweed (4%)

Pest Animals (by extent):

• Red fox (99%)
• Feral cat (98%)
• Rabbit (82%)
• Feral pig (70%)

The time for a coordinated and enforceable biosecurity approach is now, as NSW faces an escalating threat to its environment, agriculture, and economy.

Source: https://pulse.auctionsplus.com.au/