Threat Abatement Guidelines
for the Key Threatening Process
‘Novel biota and their impact on biodiversity’
These Threat Abatement Guidelines reflect the best available information
at the time of development. This is not a statutory document.
Introduction
Many species of animals, plants and pathogens have been introduced to Australia from other
parts of the world since European occupation (e.g. Agtrans Research, 2005). The negative
effects of these introductions on native fauna and flora and ecological communities are
second only to habitat destruction (Sanderlund et al., 1999: p 2; Coutts-Smith and Downey,
2006).
Since the advent of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
(the EPBC Act), many of these novel biota have been nominated for listing as a key
threatening process, and the list has grown so large that individual evaluations could divert
the Government’s attention and resources for many years. Despite a wide range of
legislation, plans, strategies and initiatives, the impacts of novel biota on Australian
ecosystems are increasing.
The current state legislative and management arrangements make timely and effective
action cumbersome and unwieldy. If this continues, more species and ecological
communities will be affected and the task of management will become more difficult.
The Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the Committee) considers that there is a lack
of consistent mechanisms for setting priorities to abate the threats posed by novel biota.
Accordingly, the Committee proposes that all novel biota should be seen as a real or
potential threat to native biodiversity, and that a new planning framework should be
developed to integrate the responses to different species.
Australia's Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010-2030 (the Strategy) (NRMMC, 2010)
identifies 10 interim national targets for the first five years, including two that relate
specifically to novel biota. The two key targets are:
 Target 7: By 2015, reduce by at least 10% the impacts of invasive species on
threatened species and ecological communities in terrestrial, aquatic and marine
environments.
 Target 9: By 2015, all jurisdictions will review relevant legislation, policies and
programs to maximise alignment with Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy.
The Committee endorses these targets as a first step in managing and reducing the impact
of novel biota and provides further priority and research action in this document.
Description
The term ‘novel biota’ here refers to organisms introduced to ecosystems by natural or
human agencies, particularly the latter. It is intended to replace terms like ‘alien’, ‘exotic’,
‘introduced’ and ‘invasive’, that are used widely but often inconsistently. It does not include
species subject to domestic, agricultural or forestry management, unless they escape and
become invasive.
Six major groups of novel biota are of concern, namely vertebrate pests, invertebrate pests,
terrestrial weeds, aquatic weeds and algae pests, marine pests and pathogens. In the
following document, terrestrial weeds, aquatic weeds and algae are treated as one group.
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Listing Status
Commonwealth Legislation
‘Novel biota and their impact on biodiversity’ is listed as a Key Threatening Process
(KTP) under the EPBC Act. It is eligible for listing because:
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
It could cause native species to become eligible for listing as threatened under the
EPBC Act, and
It adversely affects the population numbers, habitat quality and geographic
distribution of listed threatened species and ecological communities through
predation, herbivory, competition, mortality and habitat loss and degradation.
State and Territory Legislation
New South Wales and Victoria list potentially threatening process under state
legislation. In New South Wales there are 23 processes listed under the Threatened
Species Conservation Act 1995 and one under the Fisheries Management Act 1994: In
Victoria there are 17 processes list under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
Further details are provided in Appendix 1.
Priority Actions
These are threat abatement actions that could be undertaken nationally to reduce threats
from this KTP, ‘Novel biota and their impact on biodiversity’. As this is an over-arching KTP
with some priority actions identified through sector strategies, those strategies should be
consulted for specific actions.
All Novel Biota
Novel biota already present
 Establish a national legislative policy by incorporating relevant policies for a national
approach to the control and management of novel biota.
 Co-ordinate management actions across jurisdictions to promote early detection and
rapid, co-ordinated responses to threats.
 Establish national research priorities to ameliorate the impact of novel biota and
reduce the risk of new novel biota being introduced, and seek appropriate
investment through partnerships between relevant parties.
 Establish nationally based co-ordinated long-term funding for the control and
management of novel biota.
 Identify high priority bioregions and identify research priorities enabling new work to
be undertaken to minimise the effect of novel biota.
 Prioritise geographic areas requiring protection, based on significant biodiversity and
the current level of threat from novel biota.
 Prioritise novel biota species that warrant concentrated effort to control.
 For non-eradicable invasive novel biota that are of national interest, establish
generic long-term agreements between governments to contain the novel biota to
their current limits.
 Implement regional and local specific actions required to abate the threats as
outlined in national, state and territory strategies and threat abatement plans
(Appendix 2).
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New and potential novel biota threats
 Undertake research to identify species that could potentially enter Australia and
become invasive, and establish management strategies to prevent their entry and
manage the eradication if entry occurs.
 Establish scanning groups to be alert to invasive species in other countries and
potential threats to Australia, and to co-ordinate preparedness actions where threats
are identified.
 Identify species for which a full assessment of invasiveness is needed. These will
include ‘sleeper’ species that are established but not yet at a critical mass to
become invasive, and new incursions of novel biota whose potential for
invasiveness is unknown.
 Strengthen implementation of legislation for the import of species (Quarantine Act
1908, EPBC Act 1999) to ensure potential adverse impacts of requested imports are
adequately/comprehensively identified and to prevent the introduction and
establishment of new invasive novel biota.
Vertebrates
 Implement priority actions under the Australian Pest Animal Strategy
(http://www.apas.net.au) to provide leadership and coordination to manage the
impacts of established pests and to prevent establishment of new pests.
 Implement species-specific Threat Abatement Plans
(http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/tap.html) for feral cat,
European red fox, rabbits, feral pigs, feral goats, exotic rodents on islands of less
than 100 000 hectares.
 Implement the Threat Abatement Plan for cane toad (in preparation).
 Implement the National Feral Camel Action Plan
(http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/ferals/camels/index.html).
 Implement the recommendations in the Strategic Approach to the Management of
Ornamental Fish in Australia
(http://adl.brs.gov.au/anrdl/metadata_files/pe_brs90000004189.xml).
 Implement actions in species-specific and regional National Recovery Plans
 Undertake public education on the risks of freeing animals or ‘dumping’ pets,
particularly to reduce the incidence of escapes or releases of ornamental and
aquarium fish to the environment.
Invertebrates
 Develop a national strategy to manage invertebrate pests, with regard for diverse
species and varied habitats.
 Implement Threat Abatement Plans to reduce the impacts of tramp ants on
biodiversity in Australia and its territories.
 Implement national actions for the control of Asian honey bee.
 Implement recommendations and quarantine procedures to control yellow crazy ant
and other invasive invertebrates on Christmas Island (Beeton et al., 2010).
 Implement species-specific actions in National Recovery Plans.
 Appropriately managed actions undertaken for primary production may guide
additional actions necessary where invertebrate species that impact on primary
production also have environmental impacts.
Terrestrial Weeds and Aquatic Weeds and Algae
 Implement the Australian Weed Strategy
(http://www.weeds.gov.au/publications/strategies/pubs/weed-strategy.pdf )
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 Implement (when completed) the Threat Abatement Plan to address the EPBC Act
listed KTP ‘Ecosystem degradation, habitat loss and species decline due to the
invasion of northern Australia by introduced gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus),
para grass (Urochloa mutica), olive hymenachne (Hymenachne amplexicaulis),
mission grass (Pennisetum polystachion) and annual mission grass (Pennisetum
pedicellatum)’.
 Develop, implement and monitor actions to prevent the spread of pasture species
(e.g. buffel grass, Cenchrus ciliaris) into the environment.
 Implement species-specific actions in National Recovery Plans (e.g. Reduction in
cover of weeds at ten sites to protect Lepidium hyssopifolium (basalt peppercress)).
 Develop and disseminate hygiene protocols to prevent the spread of aquatic weeds
and algae in rivers, lakes and other wetlands.
Marine pests
 Ensure that shipping complies with Australian Ballast Water Management
Requirements.
 Maintain a ballast water register for all trading vessels.
 Implement (once complete) the national domestic ballast water management
arrangements being developed to complement existing requirements for
international vessels to prevent the introduction and spread of marine pests.
 Implement and disseminate voluntary national biofouling management guidelines
providing practical recommendations to help commercial and recreational vessel
operators to manage biofouling.
 Implement the National Action Plans developed for six established marine pests
(Asterias amurensis, Carcinus maenas, Musculista senhousia, Sabella spallanzanii,
Undaria pinnatifida, Varicorbula gibba).
 Review established marine pests to determine whether these are of national
significance and, if so, develop National Action Plans and associated
implementation plans.
 Monitor key shipping ports for introductions of potential invasive species.
Pathogens
 Implement Threat Abatement Plans for infection of amphibians with chytrid fungus
causing chytridiomycosis, beak and feather disease affecting endangered psittacine
species and disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi.
 Implement regional and local actions to control the spread myrtle rust caused by
Uredo rangelii/Puccinia psidii.
 Implement regional and local actions to control exotic and endemic pathogens, as
above (see Existing Threat Abatement Plans, Initiatives and Actions)
 Implement species-specific actions in National Recovery Plans or Conservation
Advices under the EPBC Act, where pathogens are affecting a threatened species
or ecological community
 Develop and disseminate hygiene protocols to prevent the spread of pathogens by
people who work in the field or visit parks and reserves.
Research Priorities
All Novel Biota
At the most general level, these actions should inform future national, regional and local
priority actions:
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 Develop mechanisms to improve coordination of management across jurisdictions to
promote early detection and rapid, co-ordinated responses to threats.
 Identify high priority potential novel biota threats that may enter the country and
develop a management plan to prevent and eradicate any incursions.
 Confirm the presence of invasive species in isolated locations and assess the
feasibility of containment/eradication.
 Identify and review the status in other countries of invasive species that could
threaten environments in Australia.
 Investigate ‘hot spots’ of incursions (e.g. ornamental fish) and develop public
campaigns to prevent further releases.
 Develop or test tools for species control.
 Investigate the behavioural and biological traits of novel biota to identify or improve
the efficiency of control actions.
 Investigate hybridisation of novel biota and native species.
 Develop methods to monitor the ecological impacts of translocated native species.
 Implement priority actions in state and territory strategies.
 Implement state, territory and regional priorities related to invasive species or to
recovery of threatened species and ecological communities
Vertebrates
 Support research identified by Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre
(http://www.invasiveanimals.com) concerning detection and risk prevention
(improved risk management, early warning systems, national action plans, bioeconomics, ecological solutions, decision support systems), terrestrial products and
strategies (bait and toxin development, fertility control, emerging solutions including
attractants and molecular techniques) and freshwater products and strategies
(‘daughterless carp’, biocides, pheromone trapping, environmental manipulation).
 Support research on ornamental fish, translocated native fish and pest species,
including the impacts of introduced ornamental fish species that have established
wild populations (Corfield et al., 2008), the impacts of translocated native fish
species (Sinclair Knight Merz, 2008) and the impacts of gambusia (Gambusia
holbrooki), redfin perch (Perca fluviatilis), tench (Tinca tinca), roach (Rutilus rutilus),
yellowfin goby (Acanthogobius flavimanus) and streaked goby (Acentrogobius
pflaumi) (Rowe et al., 2008).
Invertebrates
 The national strategy proposed above should include research priorities for
invertebrate pests.
Terrestrial Weeds, Aquatic Weeds and Algae
 Review prior research on weed spread prevention to identify gaps.
 Support research on weed spread, including minimising spread through vehicle,
machinery and equipment design, sterilants or other agents that inhibit survival
and/or germination, minimising seed-set, factors that hinder or promote prevention,
including reasons why people may not dispose of weeds responsibly, pathway risk
assessments, decontamination methods, best-practice spread prevention, options to
dispose of weeds responsibly and the economics of prevention.
Marine pests
 Determine dispersal patterns for potentially invasive species.
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 Undertake research identified in the National System for the Prevention and
Management of Marine Pest Incursions, included in the National Strategy for
Introduced Marine Pest Research and Development (2006–2016).
Pathogens
 Undertake research on emergent diseases (e.g. mucormycosis in Ornithorhynchus
anatinus (platypus), caused by Mucor amphibiorum) to determine impact, risk
factors for infection, monitoring and prevention.
 Investigate potentially-invasive pathogens to identify incursion pathways, sites and
management options.
 Investigate the ecology, epidemiology and management of diseases that affect, or
may include, native flora and fauna (e.g. Avian Influenza, West Nile Virus, Australian
Bat Lyssavirus).
This list does not encompass all actions that could mitigate this KTP, but reflects priorities
that were current when these Threat Abatement Guidelines were prepared.
Information Sources
Agtrans Research (2005). Report of Progress on Invasive Species. Final Report to the
Department of Environment and Heritage, 12 April 2005. Agtrans Research, Brisbane.
161p. Available on the Internet:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/review/index.html
Beeton B, Burbidge A, Grigg G, Harrison P, How, R, Humphreys B, McKenzie N and
Woinarski J (2010). Final Report of the Christmas Island Expert Working Group to the
Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts. Available on the Internet at:
http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/publications/christmas/pubs/final-report.pdf
Corfield J, Diggles B, Jubb C, McDowall RM, Moore A, Richards A and Rowe DK (2008).
Review of the impacts of introduced ornamental fish species that have established wild
populations in Australia. Report for the Australian Government Department of the
Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
Coutts-Smith A and Downey P (2006). Impact of weeds on threatened biodiversity in New
South Wales. Technical Series 11, CRC for Australian Weed Management, Adelaide.
Available on the Internet: http://www.weedscrc.org.au/documents/tech_series_11.pdf
NRM South (2010). Keeping it Clean – A Tasmanian Field Hygiene Manual to Prevent the
Spread of Freshwater Pests and Pathogens. NRM South, Tasmania.
NRMMC (Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council) (2010) Australia's Biodiversity
Conservation Strategy 2010-2030.
Available on the internet at:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/publications/strategy-2010-30/index.html
Philips A, Voyles J, Wilson D and Driessen M (2010). Tasmanian Chytrid Management Plan.
Biodiversity Conservation Branch, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and
Environment, Tasmania.
Rowe DK, Moore A, Giorgetti A, Maclean C, Grace P, Wadhwa S and Cooke J (2008).
Review of the impacts of gambusia, redfin perch, tench, roach, yellowfin goby and
streaked goby in Australia. Report for the Australian Government Department of the
Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
Sanderlund OT, Scheil PJ and Viken A (1999). Introduction: the many aspects of the invasive
alien species problem. In ‘Invasive Species and Biodiversity Management’ (eds OT
Sandlund, PJ Schei and A Viken). Kluwer Academic Publishers, The Netherlands.
Novel biota and their impact on biodiversity - Threat Abatement Guidelines
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Sinclair Knight Merz (2008). An overview of the impacts of translocated native fish species in
Australia. Report for the Australian Government Department of the Environment,
Water, Heritage and the Arts.
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Appendix 1:
Listing Status
Commonwealth Legislation
‘Novel biota and their impact on biodiversity’ is listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP)
under the EPBC Act. It is eligible for listing because:
 It could cause native species to become eligible for listing as threatened under the
EPBC Act, and
 It adversely affects the population numbers, habitat quality and geographic distribution
of listed threatened species and ecological communities through predation, herbivory,
competition, mortality and habitat loss and degradation.
State and Territory Legislation
Potentially threatening processes under the New South Wales Threatened Species
Conservation Act 1995:
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Competition and grazing by the feral European rabbit
Competition and habitat degradation by feral goats
Competition from feral honeybees
Herbivory and environmental degradation caused by feral deer
Importation of red imported fire ants into New South Wales
Infection by psittacine circoviral (beak and feather) disease affecting endangered
psittacine species
Infection of frogs by amphibian chytrid fungus causing the disease chytridiomycosis
Introduction of the large earth bumblebee (Bombus terrestris)
Introduction and establishment of exotic rust fungi of the order Uredinales
pathogenic on plants of the family Myrtaceae
Invasion of the yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes)
Invasion and establishment of the cane toad
Invasion and establishment of exotic vines and scramblers
Invasion of native plant communities by bitou bush and boneseed
Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial grasses
Invasion, establishment and spread of Lantana camara
Invasion of native plant communities by African olive Olea europaea L. subsp.
cuspidata
Loss and degradation of native plant and animal habitat by invasion of escaped
garden plants, including aquatic plants, as a key threatening process
Predation and hybridisation by feral dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)
Predation by feral cats
Predation by the European red fox
Predation by the plague minnow (Gambusia holbrooki)
Predation by the ship rat (Rattus rattus) on Lord Howe Island
 Predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease transmission by feral pigs
(Sus scrofa)
Potentially threatening process under the New South Wales Fisheries Management Act
1994:
 The introduction of fish to fresh waters within a river catchment outside their natural
range
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Potentially threatening processes under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988:
 Infection of amphibians with chytrid fungus, resulting in chytridiomycosis
 Introduction of live fish into waters outside their natural range within a Victorian river
catchment after 1770
 Introduction and spread of Spartina to Victorian estuarine environments
 Invasion of native vegetation by blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L. agg.)
 Invasion of native vegetation by ‘environmental weeds’
 Loss of biodiversity in native ant populations and potential ecosystem integrity
following invasion by Argentine ants (Linepithema humile)
 Predation of native wildlife by the cat (Felis catus)
 Predation of native wildlife by the introduced red fox (Vulpes vulpes)
 Reduction in biodiversity of native vegetation by sambar (Cervus unicolor)
 Reduction in biomass and biodiversity of native vegetation through grazing by the
rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
 Spread of Pittosporum undulatum in areas outside its natural distribution
 The introduction and spread of the large earth bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) into
Victorian terrestrial environments
 The spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi from infected sites into parks and reserves,
including roadsides, under the control of a state or local government authority
 The introduction of exotic organisms into Victorian marine waters
 Threats to native flora and fauna arising from the use by the feral honeybee (Apis
mellifera) of nesting hollows and floral resources
 Use of Phytophthora-infected gravel in construction of roads, bridges and reservoirs
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Appendix 2: Existing Threat Abatement Plans, Initiatives and Actions
All Novel Biota
A number of national and state-based Acts, strategies and initiatives apply to manage novel
biota in Australia and to prevent entry by other invasive species.
National
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Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999)
Quarantine Act (1908)
Weed Risk Assessment System (WRAS)
Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity
National Emergency Biosecurity Response Agreement (NEBRA) (The National
Biosecurity Committee provides strategic leadership in emerging and ongoing
biosecurity policy issues across jurisdictions and sectors)
 Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (2010–2020)
 Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS)
 Beale review of Australia’s quarantine and biosecurity
State and Territory
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New South Wales Invasive Species Plan (2008–2015)
New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Biosecurity Strategy
Biosecurity Strategy for Victoria
Queensland Biosecurity Strategy (2009–2014)
Draft Biosecurity Strategy, South Australia (2009–2014)
In addition there are national and state based initiatives that address vertebrates,
invertebrates, terrestrial and aquatic weeds and algae, marine pests and pathogens which
are listed below.
Vertebrates
These are national and state-based initiatives to manage vertebrate pests introduced to
Australia and to prevent entry by other invasive species.
National
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Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre
Australian Pest Animal Strategy (2007)
National Feral Camel Action Plan (2010)
Strategic Approach to the Management of Ornamental Fish in Australia (2008)
National Policy for the Translocation of Live Aquatic Organisms (1999)
National Management Strategy for Carp Control (2000–2005)
Guidelines for the Import, Movement and Keeping of Exotic Vertebrates in Australia
(2004)
State and Territory
 Vertebrate Pest Management Strategy (2002)
 Western Australian Vertebrate Animal Pest Policy
 South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resource Management Board Pest
Management Strategy (2005-2010)
 All states and territories have adopted the National Policy for the Translocation of
Live Aquatic Organisms (1999), and New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland,
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Western Australia and South Australia have developed translocation guidelines
under this policy.
Priority Action Statements and Threat Abatement Actions
National
 Threat Abatement Plan for competition and land degradation by unmanaged goats
(2008)
 Threat Abatement Plan for competition and land degradation by rabbits (2008)
 Threat Abatement Plan for predation by European red fox (2008)
 Threat Abatement Plan for predation by feral cats (2008)
 Threat Abatement Plan for predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease
transmission by feral pigs (2005)
 Threat Abatement Plan to reduce the impacts of exotic rodents on biodiversity on
Australian offshore islands of less than 100 000 hectares (2009)
 Threat Abatement Plan for the biological effects, including lethal toxic ingestion,
caused by cane toads (in preparation)
New South Wales
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Control Plan for the noxious fish carp (Cyprinus carpio) (2010)
Threat Abatement Plan: Predation by the plague minnow (2003)
Threat Abatement Plan: Predation by the red fox (2001)
Priority Action Statement: Competition and grazing by the feral European rabbit
Priority Action Statement: Competition and habitat degradation by feral goats, Capra
hircus Linnaeus 1758
Priority Action Statement: Herbivory and environmental degradation caused by feral
deer
Priority Action Statement: Invasion and establishment of the cane toad
Priority Action Statement: Predation and hybridisation by feral dogs, Canis lupus
familiaris
Priority Action Statement: Predation by the plague minnow (Gambusia holbrooki)
Priority Action Statement: Predation by the European red fox
Priority Action Statement: Predation by feral cats
Priority Action Statement: Predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease
transmission by feral pigs (Sus scrofa)
Victoria
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Fox Management Strategy (2002)
Feral Pig and Feral Goat Management Strategy (2002)
Rabbit Management Strategy (2002)
Wild Dog Management Strategy (2002)
Action Statement: Introduction of live fish into waters outside their natural range
within a Victorian river catchment after 1770 (2003)
 Action Statement: Predation of native wildlife by the cat, Felis catus (2004)
 Action Statement: Predation of native wildlife by the introduced red fox Vulpes
vulpes (2002)
Invertebrates
These are national and state-based initiatives to manage invertebrate pests introduced to
Australia and to prevent entry by other invasive species.
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National
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National Fire Ant Eradication Program
National Electric Ant Eradication Program
Yellow Crazy Ants in North-East Arnhem Land Project
African Big-Headed Ants and Tropical Fire Ants on the Tiwi Islands Project
Priority Action Statements and Threat Abatement Actions
National
 Threat Abatement Plan to reduce the impacts of tramp ants on biodiversity in
Australia and its territories (2006)
New South Wales
 Priority Action Statement: Competition from feral honeybees
 Priority Action Statement: Importation of red imported fire ants into New South
Wales
 Priority Action Statement: Introduction of the large earth bumblebee (Bombus
terrestris)
 Priority Action Statement: Invasion of the yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes)
 Priority Action Statement: Forest eucalypt dieback associated with over-abundant
psyllids and bell miners
Terrestrial Weeds, Aquatic Weeds and Algae
These are national and state-based initiatives to manage terrestrial and aquatic weeds and
algae introduced to Australia and to prevent entry by other invasive species.
National
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Weed Risk Assessment System (WRAS)
Australian Weed Strategy (2007)
National Weeds Awareness Action Plan
National Eradication Programs—Exotic Weeds
National Siam Weed Eradication Program
National Branched Broomrape Eradication Program
National Four Tropical Weeds Eradication Program
National Framework for the Management and Monitoring of Australia’s Vegetation
State and Territory
 Victorian Pest Management: Weed Management Strategy, including Weed Alert
Plan (2002)
 New South Wales Alligator Weed Strategy (2010–2015)
 New South Wales New Weed Incursion Plan (2009–2015)
 Queensland Weeds Strategy (2002)
 Queensland Weed Spread Prevention Strategy (2008)
 Northern Territory Weed Management Strategy
 A Weed Plan for Western Australia (2001)
 Western Australia Environmental Weed Strategy (1999)
 Weed Strategy for South Australia (1998)
 Tasmanian Weed Management Strategy (2005)
 Australian Capital Territory Weeds Strategy (2009–2019)
 State and Territory legislative noxious/prohibited weeds lists
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Priority Action Statements and Threat Abatement Actions
National
 Threat Abatement Plan for the KTP Invasion of northern Australia by gamba grass
and other introduced grasses (in preparation)
New South Wales
 Invasion of native plant communities by Chrysanthemoides monilifera (bitou bush
and boneseed) (2006)
 Priority Action Statement: Invasion of native plant communities by bitou bush and
boneseed
 Priority Action Statement: Invasion and establishment of exotic vines and
scramblers
 Priority Action Statement: Invasion and establishment of scotch broom (Cytisus
scoparius)
 Priority Action Statement: Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial
grasses
 Priority Action Statement: Invasion, establishment and spread of lantana (Lantana
camara L. sensu lato)
Marine pests
These are national and state-based initiatives to manage marine pests introduced to
Australia and to prevent entry by other invasive species.
National
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Australian Ballast Water Management Requirements
National Introduced Marine Pest Information System (NIMPIS)
National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions
Draft Guidelines for the Control and Management of Ships’ Befouling to Minimise
the Transfer of Invasive Aquatic Species
Priority Action Statements and Threat Abatement Actions
Victoria
 Action Statement: introduction of exotic organisms into Victorian marine waters
Pathogens
These are national and state-based initiatives to manage pathogens introduced to Australia
and to prevent entry by other invasive pathogens.
Priority Action Statements and Threat Abatement Actions
National
 Threat Abatement Plan for beak and feather disease affecting endangered
psittacine species (2005)
 Threat Abatement Plan for dieback caused by the root-rot fungus Phytophthora
cinnamomi (2001)
 Threat Abatement Plan for infection of amphibians with chytrid fungus resulting in
chytridiomycosis (2006)
New South Wales
 Priority Action Statement: Infection by psittacine circoviral (beak and feather)
disease affecting endangered psittacine species
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 Priority Action Statement: Infection of frogs by amphibian chytrid fungus causing the
disease chytridiomycosis
 Priority Action Statement: Infection of native plants by Phytophthora cinnamomi
Victoria
 Victoria’s Public Land Phytophthora cinnamomi Management Strategy (2005)
Tasmania
 Conservation of Tasmanian plant species and communities threatened by
Phytophthora cinnamomi. Strategic Regional Plan for Tasmania (2003)
Western Australia
 Integration framework for Phytophthora dieback management plans for the Northern
Agricultural, Perth/Avon, South Coast and South West NRM regions (2010–2017)
.
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