Wildcare groups access a wide range of sites across the state of which the following have a biosecurity risk of
concern:
- Offshore islands and remote sites ( not accessible by vehicles on public roads ) e.g. Maatsuyker, Melaleuca
- Visiting sites with threatened species e.g. Threatened Plants Tasmania
- Sites infested with pests, weeds and diseases e.g weed infestations
- Waterways and waterbodies
- Marine environments
Some higher risk activities may include:
- Handling wildlife, release of wildlife to wild
- Introducing plants and materials to bushland
- Vegetation trimming
- Soil disturbance
Example biosecurity risks:
WILDCARE BIOSECURITY MANAGEMENT
Oversight of biosecurity in Wildcare activities will differ depending on how a Wildcare group activity is managed. Where the PWS/ NRET is coordinating an activity, PWS/ NRET has responsibility for planning and implementing the appropriate biosecurity measures for that activity. In the circumstances that Wildcare groups operate independently of PWS management, such as on private land, the group will be responsible for planning and managing biosecurity issues.
USEFUL RESOURCES
NRM South information on Biosecurity in Tasmania and what it means for us – includes short videos outlining biosecurity measures to be taken in wilderness areas.
NRET TWWHA Biosecurity Strategy
Video (37mins) of presentation featuring:
- Phil Mehlert, from the newly formed Parks & Wildlife Service Biosecurity Team about current strategic and on-ground approaches to managing biosecurity in Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area and,
- Sheryl Hamilton from the Friends of Maatsuyker Island (FOMI) re: how FOMI manage their impact while volunteering.