Council Pest Plant and Animal Chemical Policy

Purpose

To control the use of chemicals in the management of pests through a ‘Least Harm’ approach to pest management in line with Council’s legislative requirements.

Scope

Baw Baw Shire Council manages an extensive and diverse range of public places that includes, but is not limited to, public reserves, roads reserves, foot and cycle paths, bushland reserves, gardens and public buildings and infrastructure. In accordance with Council’s BawBaw 2050 Vision (“Happy, healthy people sharing prosperity and knowledge from living sustainably and in harmony with our rural identity, thriving villages, productive and inspiring landscapes”).

Council has a responsibility to manage these areas to provide for:

  • Active and passive recreational opportunities
  • Conservation of places of natural, cultural and heritage value
  • Public and visual amenity
  • Delivery of Council services and maintenance

Policy

Baw Baw Shire Council will use chemicals to control pests when:

  • It is necessary to achieve the desired levels of service for Council assets or meet Council’s pest management obligations and where a non-chemical option is impractical
  • There use is practical, effective, economic and sustainable
  • The chemicals used are the least toxic and environmentally friendly, so far as reasonably practical
  • Chemical applications will be applied in line with ‘best’ industry standards and procedures

Pest Minimisation

Consideration will be made to design, construct and locate infrastructure in a way that minimises the impact of unwanted pests and avoids so far as practical, the necessity for direct pest control.

For pest plant management, Council will endeavour to rehabilitate land with:

  • Indigenous native vegetation
  • Other desirable vegetation to provide ecosystems and land stability

Continuous Improvement

Methods of pest control used by Council will be kept under constant review. Alternatives to the use of chemicals will investigated and trialed.

Monitoring

Chemical use by Council will be monitored and reported by the Community Assets team, Open Space Maintenance and Natural Reserves.

Relevant Legislation

  • Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992
  • Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994
  • Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994
  • Road Management Act 2004

Related Documentation

  • Baw Baw Shire Council Weed Management Strategy (2011 - 2015)
  • West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Invasive Plants and Animals Strategy (2010 - 2015)
  • Agriculture Victoria, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources Invasive Plants and Animals Policy Framework (2015)

Review of Policy

Every 5 years.

Responsible Position

Coordinator Open Spaces Maintenance. 

Related Information

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