Commonwealth of Australia
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)
Threat Abatement Plan for predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease transmission by feral pigs (Sus scrofa) 2017
The Minister for the Environment and Energy has made the Threat Abatement Plan for predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease transmission by feral pigs (Sus scrofa) 2017. The plan came into force on 18 March 2017.
The plan addresses the key threatening process ‘Predation, Habitat Degradation, Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs’ listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It describes the research, management and other actions to reduce the impacts of feral pigs on native species.
The threat abatement plan is available at:
http://www.environment.gov.au/approved-taps
For further information, or to request a hard copy of the document, please email invasivespecies@environment.gov.au or phone 1800 803 772.
Overview
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 was enacted to provide for the protection of the environment, particularly matters of national environmental significance, and to establish a framework for the management of biodiversity and threatened species. The Act was introduced to address the need for a cohesive and legally binding approach to the conservation of Australia's unique biodiversity and ecosystems. The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 was enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia. The policy objective of the Threat Abatement Plan for predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease transmission by feral pigs (Sus scrofa) 2017, made under the Act, is to outline the necessary research, management and other actions to mitigate the impacts of feral pigs on native species, ecosystems and agricultural productivity. This plan aims to reduce the adverse effects of feral pigs on the environment and biodiversity, while also considering the socio-economic impacts on landholders and communities.
Scope and Application
The Threat Abatement Plan for predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease transmission by feral pigs (Sus scrofa) 2017, under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, applies to all individuals, entities, and industries within the Commonwealth of Australia that engage in activities that may impact native species adversely through feral pig-related threats. The plan is designed to mitigate the detrimental effects caused by feral pigs, including predation, habitat degradation, competition, and disease transmission. The plan’s application is national, encompassing all states and territories within the Australian jurisdiction, with a focus on preserving and protecting Australia’s native species and ecosystems. While the Act primarily targets those who may contribute to the threats identified, specific exclusions or exemptions are not explicitly detailed in the gazetted document, indicating that the overarching intent is to broadly enforce compliance with the outlined abatement measures. The Act’s application may also be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, which can further define the scope and specifics of implementation and enforcement actions.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Threat Abatement Plan for predation, habitat degradation, competition, and disease transmission by feral pigs (Sus scrofa) 2017 (section 1) detail the specific measures required to mitigate the impact of feral pigs on native species. These include measures for research (section 2), management actions (section 3), and monitoring and reporting (section 4). Section 5 outlines the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, including governments, landholders, and researchers. Section 6 specifies the funding arrangements for the implementation of the plan.
The obligations and requirements imposed by the Act primarily focus on collaboration and action against feral pigs. Under section 2, researchers are required to conduct studies aimed at understanding the ecology and impacts of feral pigs, as well as developing effective control methods. Section 3 mandates that governments and landholders implement the recommended management actions, which include measures such as trapping, fencing, and habitat restoration. Section 5 requires coordination among stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and reporting of activities under the plan. Furthermore, section 6 ensures that funding is appropriately allocated to support the research and management activities outlined in the plan.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the Threat Abatement Plan may result in legal consequences. While the Act itself does not specify penalties, non-compliance with associated regulations or failure to implement the plan's measures can lead to enforcement actions under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Penalties for breaches of this overarching Act can include fines of up to $666,000 for individuals and up to $3.3 million for corporations, as well as potential imprisonment terms. Additionally, non-compliance could result in civil actions for damages caused by the impacts of feral pigs on native species and their habitats.