Board Meeting:
26 & 27 November 2012
Agenda Number:
7 (iii)
File Reference:
PO 0015
LORD HOWE ISLAND BOARD
Business Paper
Item:
Review of the LHI Plant Importation Policy
Background:
The introduction, establishment and spread of introduced plants and diseases represents a
major potential threat to the economy and environment of Lord Howe Island (BMP 2007).
The LHIB Plant Importation Policy is an important part of the Lord Howe Island Board's
Quarantine Strategy and Weed Management Strategy. It considers the risks associated with
the importation of plants and plant material to Lord Howe Island and establishes clear,
consistent management objectives and strategies to manage these risks.
The Policy is based on the premise that the most cost-effective means of managing weeds,
plant pests and diseases is to prevent their initial incursion. This requires a collaborative
effort between the Board, Commonwealth and State government agencies, importers, and
the broader community.
The policy maintains a precautionary, but not a zero risk approach to the management of
plant importation risks, which encourages sustainability on the Island and protection of the
islands unique natural ecosystems.
In March 2004, the Lord Howe Island Board adopted a revised LHI Plant Importation Policy.
This policy introduced a) the requirement to obtain approval from the Board for all proposed
plant imports, b) the requirement for a weed risk assessment (WRA) to be undertaken for all
new plants to the Island, and c) procedures for the inspection and clearance of imported
plants and plant material.
In March 2011, the policy was amended to include protocols to minimise the potential
introduction of Myrtle Rust Uredo rangelli. This amendment prohibited the import of all plants
and plant material from the Myrtaceae plant family. It required all plant cuttings and potted
plants to be certified and treated with fungicide, the containment of consignments and
inspection of consignments on arrival to the island.
Comment:
The Board has undertaken a preliminary review of the Plant Importation Policy. Key
proposals of the draft policy review are:
Implementation of effective biosecurity systems
 Introduce minimum standards for importing plants and plant materials to LHI;
 Continue to implement existing phytosanitary protocols to prevent the entry of Myrtle
Rust to LHI;
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Continue to implement the existing risk assessment framework which lists plants that
are a) permitted with approval; (b) prohibited; or (c) new plants requiring a Weed Risk
Assessment (WRA);
Undertake a review of the permitted and prohibited plant lists, based on risk;
Identify high risk pathways and ensure that systems are in place to effectively control
these risks; and
Introduce a cost recovery process for Weed Risk Assessments.
Improved legislative and regulatory framework
 Review relevant legislation and their effectiveness to control identified risks;
 Undertake inspections to ensure compliance with policy requirements, and to verify
the absence of soil, pests, diseases and pathogens; and
 Clarify procedures for non - compliance of the policy.
Communication and Community Engagement
 Improve awareness and understanding of biosecurity risks on Lord Howe Island;
 Clarify the plant importation assessment process and timeframes associated with
decisions;
 Form closer partnerships among government, industry and the community; and
 Improve the Board’s capability and capacity to implement the policy through training
Monitoring, Evaluation & Review
 Increase post –entry evaluation to ensure early detection of new weed species;
 Review the policy every 3 years, or in response to changes in legislation, government
policy, or improved knowledge; and
 Remain adaptive to address new alerts of invasive weed or pathogens from mainland
Australia or other pacific islands
It is recommended that meetings be held with individuals and businesses, suppliers, and
other government departments to further develop the policy. The draft policy is to be
completed for the consideration of the Board at the March 2013 Board Meeting.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Board:
a) note the above information;
b) provide comments on the existing policy by Friday 14 December 2012.
Prepared By:
David Kelly
Manager Environment and Community Development
Endorsed By:
Stephen Wills
Chief Executive Officer