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Transforming Regional Biosecurity Response Research Collaboration
Invasive Animals CRC and Department of Agriculture and Food WA
Biosecurity group case study 2017
Blackwood Biosecurity Inc.
2
Prepared by Dr Tanya M Howard, Dr Andrew Lawson and Michael Coleman (University of New England) in collaboration with DAFWA staff and Blackwood Biosecurity Inc members. This report was produced as part of the Invasive Animals CRC project ‘Increasing Stakeholder Participation in Biosecurity Management’ and was funded by Western Australian Royalties for Regions. June 2017.
Contact: Tanya Howard, Post-doctoral research fellow Invasive Animals CRC Australian Centre for Agriculture and Law University of New England, NSW 2350 email: [email protected] phone: 0417 002 084
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Table of Contents
Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 4
The context ........................................................................................................................... 7 Geography ................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Agricultural development .................................................................................................................................................... 7 Demographics ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Legal and policy settings .................................................................................................................................................... 11
Declared pests: Foxes and rabbits ...................................................................................................................................... 12
The development of a biosecurity group: Blackwoods Biosecurity Inc. ................................. 13 The trigger for group development: multiple species ............................................................................................ 15 Governance .............................................................................................................................................................................. 15 Group structure and participation ................................................................................................................................. 18 Funding ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Group activity: rabbits and foxes .................................................................................................................................... 21 Other activities ....................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Lessons for Biosecurity Group Development ........................................................................ 24
Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 26
Appendix A: context of the study ......................................................................................... 27
Appendix B: Methodology ................................................................................................... 29
Appendix C .......................................................................................................................... 31
Appendix D ......................................................................................................................... 36
References .......................................................................................................................... 42
4
Introduction
This case study describes how a local community of landholders, starting in the shire of
Bridgetown-Greenbushes, organised as a Recognised Biosecurity Group and expanded
to support invasive species management in other local government areas.
Initially formed as Bridgetown-Greenbushes Biosecurity Group in 2014, the group
changed its name to Blackwood Biosecurity Inc. (BBI) at the first Annual General
Meeting in 2015, enabling it to expand the operational area into surrounding Shires
within the Blackwood Valley Catchment, where requests for assistance with plant and
animal pests were being received from private landholders. BBI now shares
responsibilities for the northern part of the Donnybrook-Balingup shire with Leschenault
Biosecurity Group in an arrangement that suits both groups and aligns with catchment
and historical associations (see Figure 1).
BBI was awarded funds by the Department of Agriculture WA (DAFWA) to support
group formation and official recognition under the Biosecurity Agriculture Management
Act 2007.1 BBI was recognised by the Minister for Agriculture on 1st February 2017 and
is the Recognised Biosecurity Group (RBG) for the Shires of Bridgetown-Greenbushes,
Nannup, Boyup Brook and Donnybrook-Balingup South (localities of Balingup,
Mullalyup, Grimwade, Southampton and Wilga West).
This case study charts the development of the group and provides insights about the
process of becoming a Recognised Biosecurity Group. It was collected in 2016/17 as
part of a collaboration between the DAFWA 'Transforming Regional Biosecurity
Response' project and the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre. It combines
documentary evidence from a desktop review, with participant questionnaires and
interviews. The purpose was to present a readable account of how a community group
Details of the 'Transforming Regional Biosecurity Response' project and the case study methodology are attached in Appendix A.
5
has responded to the challenge of invasive species management and biosecurity group
development.
This resource may be helpful to communities who are thinking of forming a biosecurity
group and want to know what other groups have experienced during this process. It will
also be helpful for government staff working with community members and those
interested in understanding more about ‘community-led’ models of biosecurity
management.
NB: The case study presents a snapshot in time and will need to be regularly updated due to
the rapidly changing context of biosecurity management in Western Australia.
6
Figure 1: Map illustrates the shared boundaries of BBI and Leschenault BG.
7
The context
This section provides a brief overview of the geographic, economic and
demographic context Blackwood Biosecurity Inc. operates in. This data has been
collected from publicly available resources in a desk-top study.
Geography
Blackwood Biosecurity Inc includes the Shires of Bridgetown-Greenbushes, Nannup,
Boyup Brook and Donnybrook-Balingup South (the localities of Balingup, Mullalyup,
Grimwade, Southampton and Wilga West) which are situated southeast of Bunbury and
south of Perth, in south-western Western Australia. The region is within easy distance of
Perth for tourists, and is known for its pleasant scenery.2
Agricultural development
Agricultural and primary production in the district is notable for the variety of products,
including grazing, horticulture (fruit), and sawmilling.3 A variety of broadacre crops are
grown, but the most significant ones include cereal crops (wheat, oats, barley) and
canola. Orchards remain a major form of agricultural production, with key crops
including apples, stone fruit varieties and pears. Some hay and silage production is also
undertaken.
Timber milling and agriculture (principally beef cattle) dominate the local economy in
Nannup shire. A growing proportion of landuse is for eco and agro tourism, viticulture,
tree and organic farming and lifestyle, all of which have a very high value and focus on
biosecurity. Furniture production and other local timber value-adding activities are also a
minor employer.4
Boyup Brook was first settled by Europeans in 1854 and the early settlers made a living
from kangaroo hunting and timber cutting.5 Since settlement, large areas of the Boyup
Brook Shire have been cleared for agriculture, however areas of state forest occupy the
8
northern and southern portions of the Shire. A large portion of the remnant jarrah/ marri
forest in the south of the Shire is reserved for conservation purposes in the Tone-Perup
Reserve.6
BBI covers the southern localities of the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup. Local industries
include sandstone quarrying, farming, fruit, vegetables, viticulture, sheep and cattle. The
Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup is the eighth fastest growing local government in Western
Australia. Tourism is an important industry, with many local attractions including the
scenic areas of the Blackwood River Valley, State Forests and several established
wineries in close reach.7
Demographics
European settlement in Bridgetown dates back to approximately 1860, with the town
being formally gazetted in 1868. Agriculture was the main form of employment and
income in and around Bridgetown until the early 1890s, when a gold rush resulted in a
significant jump in employment, settlement and construction of a number of significant
buildings.8 Nearby Greenbushes was founded as a mining town at a similar time (1888),
following discovery of tin. Greenbushes experienced a short-lived mining boom, which
ended following a collapse in tin prices. Following this initial boom, the timber industry
became a notable employer in Greenbushes, though mining in the district has remained
a significant employer.9
The Shire of Nannup was founded in 1834. The Shire of Nannup is the second largest
Shire in the South West Region.10 Nannup is the largest town within the Shire of
Nannup and approximately half the population lives here. The Shire of Donnybrook-
Balingup is the eighth fastest growing local government in Western Australia.
From the 1970s, Bridgetown experienced a significant growth in population as ex-urban
residents, attracted by the aesthetically pleasing scenery and rural lifestyle, created a
strong demand for hobby farm or rural residential allotments. This demographic shift
9
facilitated growing demand for tourism and recreation, partially supplementing the
historic demand for commercial farm services in the district.11 The shift also created
tension over the 'creative destruction' associated with ongoing population growth and
rural residential developments, with a concern of newer residents in particular about the
potential environmental impacts of overdevelopment.12 (See Table 1 for selected
comparative demographic data).
10
Brid
geto
wn
-G
ree
nb
ush
es
LGA
Nan
nu
p LG
A
Bo
yup
Bro
ok LG
A
Donn
ybro
ok-
Balin
gup
* A
ustra
lia
2
00
1
20
06
2
01
1
20
01
2
00
6
20
11
2
00
1
20
06
2
01
1
20
01
2
00
6
20
11
2
01
1
Po
pu
lation
3
93
5
38
67
4
,32
0
11
83
1
19
7
12
84
1
55
8
14
22
1
51
5
43
05
4
48
4
51
92
2
1,5
07
,71
9
Pro
po
rtion
of resid
ents aged
5
5 o
r old
er (%)
23
.6
31
.6
36
.2
23
3
2.6
3
9.6
2
4.2
3
2.2
3
2.7
2
0.9
2
6.9
3
2
25
.6
Med
ian age o
f resid
ents
(years) 3
8
43
4
5
40
4
4
48
3
9
43
4
3
37
4
1
44
3
7
Pro
po
rtion
of resid
ents
female (%
) 4
8.6
5
1.1
5
0.9
4
7.1
4
8.3
4
6.1
4
9.4
4
9.6
5
1
50
5
0
50
.3
50
.6
Pro
po
rtion
of resid
ents m
ale (%
) 5
1.3
4
8.8
4
9.1
5
2.8
5
1.6
5
3.8
5
0.5
5
0.3
4
8.9
5
0.5
4
9.9
4
9.6
4
9.4
Med
ian w
eekly h
ou
seho
ld
inco
me ($
) 6
29
7
98
8
72
5
33
7
47
8
32
5
84
7
65
8
84
6
43
8
79
9
96
1
,23
4
Med
ian m
on
thly m
ortgage
paym
ents ($
) 6
50
9
00
1
50
0
65
0
86
7
16
20
5
00
8
57
1
12
2
70
0
10
50
1
40
4
18
00
Med
ian w
eekly ren
t ($)
10
5
12
5
18
0
80
9
2
13
0
74
7
0
11
0
10
0
13
0
18
5
28
5
Pro
po
rtion
of o
ccup
ied
dw
ellings o
wn
ed o
utrigh
t (%)
44
.3
39
.5
40
.1
46
.9
43
.2
44
.5
53
.7
51
.6
48
.4
42
.6
39
.2
41
.3
32
.1
Pro
po
rtion
of o
ccup
ied
dw
ellings o
wn
ed w
ith a
mo
rtgage (%)
30
3
3.4
3
4.7
2
0.2
2
4.2
2
3.4
1
7
24
.1
27
.2
29
.9
35
.2
36
.6
34
.9
Pro
po
rtion
of resid
ents aged
1
5 o
r old
er with
a no
n-
scho
ol, u
niversity o
r certificate-le
vel qu
alification
(%
)
31
.6
37
.9
42
.3
32
.6
38
.5
42
.6
26
.3
34
.4
37
.2
30
.0
36
.2
39
.7
44
.9
Table 1 Selected demographic details for the Shires (LGAs) within Blackwood Biosecurity Inc's operational area. 2016 Census data was not available at the time of case study preparation.
NB: *BBI operational area only covers the southern localities of the Donnybrook-
Ballingup LGA. Data in this column describes the entire LGA.
11
Legal and policy settings
Landholders and land occupiers are responsible for declared pest species control on
their own properties, under the Western Australian Biosecurity and Agriculture
Management Act 2007 (the BAM Act).13
Through the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA), the Western Australian
State Government currently offers support for private landholders to control declared
pest species via regional, community-based Recognised Biosecurity Groups (RBGs).
The purpose of these groups is to facilitate coordinated cross-tenure management of
declared pests, in support of (rather than as a replacement for) the responsibility of the
individual landholder to manage declared pests on their land.14
Any group whose purpose includes the control of a declared pest can apply to the
Minister for Agriculture to become a Recognised Biosecurity Group (RBG) under the
BAM Act. The recognition process was first established in the pastoral rangelands of
WA and has been subsequently rolled out in the South-West region of the state. The
process requires community members to organise and incorporate as a group under the
WA Associations Incorporation Act 2015. The group must demonstrate evidence of
strategic direction, community acceptance and on ground biosecurity activities in order
to receive recognition.15
Once groups have been recognised, they become eligible for financial support through
a Declared Pest Rate, which all landholders within the prescribed area are required to
pay. The Biosecurity Group develops an operational plan, which details on ground
biosecurity activities and determines the amount to be raised through a rate approved
by the Minister, which is then collected by the Commissioner of Taxation through the
Office of State Revenue. Rates are to be matched dollar for dollar with State
Government funds, and returned to the RBG to fund their activities. If a group decides
not to have a declared pest rate determined in their area, they are not eligible for the
government matched funding.
12
The recognition process is evolving in response to community needs, policy reform and
funding changes. Declining government budgets has led to a realisation that effective
management of established declared species requires landholder participation. A
contraction of DAFWA services in areas of on ground compliance and invasive species
control has marked a change in historic patterns of service delivery and support,
increasing this need for community-led action and creating some tension that has
influenced the recognition process. DAFWA has flagged the intention to support
biosecurity group activities by providing advice on governance, operational planning,
and assistance with community consultation, technical advice, and operational
support.16
BBI focus on declared pests: Foxes and rabbits
Invasive animal management in national parks and other protected lands is coordinated
through the WA 'Good Neighbour Policy', with the Department of Parks and Wildlife
(DPAW) working with neighbouring private landholders to address important cross-
boundary land management issues, including key invasive animal species such as
foxes and rabbits.17 DPAW coordinates fox control in areas where wildlife is most likely
to be impacted under the 'Western Shield' program, a statewide annual fox and feral
cat-baiting program which is carried out across 3.9 million hectares across Western
Australia. In this program, aerial baiting is carried out as being the most effective way to
distribute baits to large and isolated areas, and is carried out four times per year for
foxes.
Approximately 600,000 fox baits are laid annually across Western Australia as part of
this program, at a rate of five fox baits per square km.18 DPAW may coordinate their
activity with private landholders undertaking fox baiting on private land, where this is
shown to have demonstrable benefits for conservation.19 DPAW targets rabbit 'hotspots'
based on the suitability of the locations to host large numbers of rabbits, with particular
attention given to those areas where rabbits are likely to have a large impact on
13
threatened ecological communities or rare flora. As with foxes, coordinated approaches
with private landholders are pursued when appropriate.20
Feral rabbit populations have been present in Western Australia for over a century.21
Despite attempts to control rabbits in the state such as the rabbit-proof fence and the
release of myxomatosis, rabbits continue to have a severe impact in Western Australia,
particularly in higher rainfall wheatbelt areas and viticulture-intensive areas in the
southwest of the state.22 As with foxes, baiting with 1080 (or Pindone in areas absent of
native wildlife) is the most cost-effective way to control rabbits in Western Australia,
however best practice suggests that maximum effectiveness is achieved by integrating
this with a range of other methods such as warren fumigation and destruction, fencing,
trapping and shooting.23 As mentioned above, it is often most effective for landholders to
integrate fox and rabbit baiting for maximum effectiveness in managing both species.
The development of a biosecurity group: Blackwoods Biosecurity Inc.
This section draws on survey responses from BBI staff, members and DAFWA staff
and describes the evolution and key activities of Blackwood Biosecurity Inc.
BBI formed in mid-2014 following an application from the Blackwood Environment
Society in partnership with the Shire of Bridgetown Greenbushes Hazard Reduction
Officer for $5,000 in NRM seed funding, and formation of a steering committee. Since
this time, the group has grown considerably in membership and scope of activities. BBI
changed name from the previous Bridgetown-Greenbushes Biosecurity Group to reflect
the group’s role in coordinating responses to invasive species and other biosecurity
issues in the district. The group operates under the principle that biosecurity is a shared
responsibility between all stakeholders, including landholders, industry and government.
The group began by listening to concerned community members. This informed the
decision to focus firstly on two plant and two animal pest species. These species are
14
listed as Declared Pests in WA:
Narrow leaved Cottonbush and Paterson’s Curse
Foxes and wild rabbits.
This short list was rapidly increased as other pest species increasingly made their
presence felt and as the community became better equipped to identify their impact.
The group now includes a priority focus on a mix of declared and non-declared species
such as the weed species Blackberry, Cleavers and Bridal Creeper; and feral cats and
pigs.
The stated vision of BBI from the start has been:
To prevent, contain and minimise the economic and social impacts of declared
plant and animal pests in the region,
And to foster an informed community equipped for early identification and
management of declared pests and other biosecurity risks.
The group has since added another objective to this vision:
To achieve a measurable community change in attitude that considers declared
pest control a shared responsibility and fundamental part of all land
management.
The group focus is to:
Work with all property owners and managers and a broad spectrum of
government, industry, environment and business stakeholders to co-operatively
take control and ownership of declared pests across the Blackwood Valley;
Employing best practice management, science, planning, monitoring and
reporting systems.
BBI describes its role as being:
To work collaboratively to facilitate effective partnerships, promote community and
landholder engagement and education, initiate ground works, offer workshops, field
days and demonstrations, encourage and assist research projects, seek and share
scientific knowledge, acquire and make available resources, maintain good
governance and source appropriate ongoing funding.
15
The trigger for group development: multiple species
The declared invasive species of focus for BBI are rabbits and foxes and feral pigs and
weed species Paterson's Curse, Narrow leaf cotton bush, Blackberry and Cleavers.
The Weed of National Significance (WoNS) species Bridal Creeper is also a focus
under separate funding.
The decline and change in DAFWA services, the DAFWA process and funding for group
formation combined to encourage community action in this case, and numerous other
interested local groups fed into this group's formation.
Governance
The governance structure of BBI includes executive positions of chairperson, deputy
chair, secretary and treasurer. The group began in 2014 with a part-time paid
administrative officer, joined by a part time, paid executive officer/project officer in 2016.
Another part time paid administration officer joined in April 2017.
At June 2016, there were over 100 members. The BBI Constitution lists the membership
requirements:
a) Membership is for landholders, residents, businesses and individuals who have
an interest within the region.
b) Each member shall be bound by the guidelines of BB Inc.
c) Public authorities can be non-voting members in an advisory role.
Planning documents and processes currently put in place or under development by the
group includes an invasive species plan, communications and engagement plan,
strategic plan, and a 2016-17 one-year operational plan, which will be updated to
include RBG status and scope.
The management committee has a huge combined NRM knowledge of the region and
its history, with some founding members living in the region for more than three
decades. Committee members are drawn from 3 of the 4 Shires in the operational area
and include new settlers, farmers, hobby farmers and business people. The committee
16
is made up of 12 members with strong and diverse community networks, and has an
even gender balance. Members are experienced in community environmental
management and administration, and come from diverse professional backgrounds. The
size of the committee usually guarantees a quorum in spite of members’ many and
varied other external commitments.
Members of the committee are diligent in their intentions to participate in the group's
activities, including group meetings, education events, pest control activities, and
committee governance. 24 Reasons for joining the committee include the impact of
specific invasive species such as rabbits, pigs and foxes; members also reported being
well networked and motivated by other members, or by their involvement in the
agriculture sector, to take on group leadership roles.
The BBI committee has a long list of goals which balance group operations with on
ground invasive species control, demonstrating the wide scope of activities required to
effectively meet the biosecurity needs of the region. These goals are detailed in the BBI
Operational Plan, which is publicly available on the group’s Facebook page.25
The committee notes that as the operational area of the group has increased, these
goals have become less realistic and there is a need to revisit these goals to ensure the
group can meet community expectations. For example the new operational boundaries
(including parts of the Balingup Shires and Nannup) have increased the peri-urban area
and this requires new control strategies due to increased regulatory barriers and more
stakeholders to engage in action.
Governance goals include:
Establish partnerships with all land managers, stakeholders, local and State
Government agencies and community to share knowledge, resources and
management strategies across the shire;
Provide a framework for a more detailed planning, monitoring and reporting
system of management strategies;
Secure resources and ongoing funding.
17
Operational goals include:
Identify and prioritise areas with target declared pests;
Secure contribution and/ or support from all major industry stakeholders and local
or state agencies managing public lands in this area;
Inform the community about managing declared pests;
Initiate on ground activities.
The group has long-term goals to guide development within a 5-year time frame. These
include:
All landholders with infestations of Cotton Bush and Paterson's Curse are
engaged in active control of these pests;
The number of flowering plants (Cotton Bush) is reduced by 90% on infested
properties;
The number of flowering plants (Paterson's Curse) is reduced by 90% on infested
properties;
At least 50 farming landholders are actively involved in fox control to minimise
their impact;
Rabbits are controlled on 50% of infested properties to minimise their impact;
A measurable change in attitude that considers declared pest control is a
fundamental part of good land management.
This final goal will require development of a measure that can usefully assess the
success of the group in achieving this over time.
Internal communications protocols are limited to formal committee meeting procedures,
and external communications protocols are still in development, but the group had
undertaken extensive stakeholder identification and mapping. Other instruments are in
development, as follows:
Basic invasive species plan
18
Community engagement plan – either none or in development
Communications Plan – either none or in development
Strategic plan – in development
Operations Plan – small actions plans and establishment of sub-group
Governance instrument – Constitution
MOU with DPAW for collaboration with declared pest control on their estate
including Blackwood Biosecurity Inc’s feral pig operators culling animals under
license.
MOU in planning with Water Corp for collaboration on declared pest control on
their estate throughout the operational area.
Group structure and participation
Desktop analysis reveals the following parties have an interest in invasive species
management in the Bridgetown-Greenbushes district:
Local rural landholders;
Blackwood Biosecurity Inc;
Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes; Shire of Nannup, Shire of Boyup Brook, Shire
of Donnybrook-Balingup;
South West Catchments Council;
Blackwood Basin Group;
Pastoralists and Graziers Association of Western Australia;
Department of Agriculture and Food;
Department of Parks and Wildlife;
WAPRES and other plantation managers;
Water Authority.
Committee members are aware of other local and regional groups in their area with an
interest in pest management – including Bridgetown-Greenbushes Community
Landcare, Blackwood Basin Group (BBG), and Blackwood Environment Society. As
19
with most rural communities, interested members sit on multiple committees. Some of
BBI’s members are also members of Blackwood Environment Society, which manages
Bridgetown-Greenbushes Community Landcare.
Funding
The DAFWA program 'Transforming Regional Biosecurity Response', under which a
number of emerging RBGs are being supported during their establishment phase, has
supplied funding for the 2016/2017 financial year of $55,000 for BBI. In the case of BBI,
the funding is to be dedicated towards community engagement activities and
development of a three-year strategic plan and engagement strategy,26 however the
group is seeking to develop invasive plant and animal management activities over a
five-year period.
This funding has been important in establishing the group but it has also created
demands on the paid staff and volunteers committee that can be burdensome. The
group struggles to meet all of the bureaucratic requirements and also achieve important
milestones such as developing Pest Management Plans, establishing a web site and
brokering relationships with important stakeholders.
BBI has also received State NRM seed funds and funding from the Blackwood
Environment Society, Bridgetown-Greenbushes Shire, Talison Lithium, Blackwood
Basin Group, Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup, and in-kind from landholders, local and
interstate business. The Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes is supportive of the group's
activities and has partnered in a State NRM Grant for control and mapping of Cleavers.
Community Groundworks funding administered by SWCC was received for Bridal
Creeper control, awareness and mapping. Since the group was recognised in February
2017, the Donnybrook-Balingup Shire has contributed towards support and assistance
with by paying for a mail out to residents, hosting workshops and information sessions
and providing ongoing liaison through their Environment Officer. Since recognition, the
Shire of Nannup has provided a Council representative to sit on the BBI committee.
20
21
Group activity: rabbits and foxes
Blackwood Biosecurity Inc is focused on motivating action on invasive species that are
either relatively new incursions in the area with a high chance of restriction or control,
OR widespread species that have a large impact. These include two declared pest
animal species: foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).27
Data on fox and rabbit populations in the district could not be found via internet search,
however anecdotal evidence seems to suggest that both species are widespread.28 The
rabbit population appeared to have grown slowly since the release of the calicivirus in
the mid-1990s, which was noted to be less effective in South Western WA, due to its
relatively wetter and cooler climate than the rest of the state.29 BBI operates a Wild
Rabbit project running workshops and demonstrations, including purchase of a smoker
machine, a Rodenator for warren destruction and a major involvement in the release of
the new RHDV1=k5 calicivirus release.
In early 2016, DAFWA made plans to release the new rabbit control virus, RHDV K5, in
early spring 2016 or in autumn 2017. Blackwood Biosecurity Inc hosted a 'Rabbit
Roadshow' in Bridgetown in May 2016, where the characteristics and impact of the virus
and options for landholder involvement in the project explained. The Roadshow was
combined with a 'Blackwood Biosecurity Expo', with Blackwood Biosecurity providing an
overview of changes to local biosecurity projects, and discussing new directions for
invasive species management in WA.30 This included presentations on best practice
rabbit management, local priorities for control of weeds, wild pigs, foxes, and feral cats,
community partnerships, and activities on public lands (crown land, local government,
and forestry).31 The committee reports that the event was well attended by people all
over the Blackwood Valley and beyond.
Foxes are responsible for the loss of lambs on commercial properties and hobby farms
in the Bridgetown-Greenbushes district, and fox baiting appears to be widespread
across the district, including on farms and on public lands such as national parks (as
22
part of the WA Parks and Wildlife 'Western Shield' program), and on other public
lands.32 Another fox control activity that has been undertaken in the Bridgetown district
is the 'Community Fox Shoot', where every fox or feral cat culled results in a donation to
charity.33 The development of lifestyle farm subdivisions and blurred interface between
Bridgetown and surrounding commercial and lifestyle farm blocks causes problems for
fox control, given the difficulties of using common control methods such as baiting and
shooting in densely populated areas.34
Other activities
Other BBI activities include
Planning/ mapping
Events, workshops, field days/demonstrations
Education and community engagement
Communications Facebook, e-newsletter.
Operational/ on-ground works.
In 2016 BBI absorbed the Middle Blackwood Vertebrate Pest Group to create the
Blackwood Biosecurity Feral Pig Project. The project has now 2 trained, licensed and
fully insured operators to assist private landholders with feral pig control and also to
work with Parks and Wildlife (DPAW) to control pigs on their estate. This works supports
Murdoch University research into feral pig control by collecting pig stomachs from shot
animals. Blackwood Biosecurity initiated the formation and use of a secure feral pig app
reporting line for itself and other interested groups in partnership with Dr. Peter Adams.
BBI has taken a leadership role in developing a capacity building network with other
Biosecurity Groups in the south-west region, hosting a luncheon with perceived flow on
gains across the groups. After an initial flurry of establishing governance, social media
and administration systems, the group launched into workshops, demonstrations,
information sessions, talks to community groups, community information stalls, displays
at Shows and Field Days, articles for local and state press, community newsletters,
23
radio talks, television coverage and sessions in schools. This was followed by a
concentration on re-branding after the name change to make sure that BBI’s logo would
be recognised on signage, brochures, banner fliers and bumper stickers.
There has been an increased focus on on ground works, included lots of mapping
(especially with MyPestGuide who set up a secure reporting channel exclusively for
BBI); the manual removal of cottonbush with volunteers; the beginning of an extensive
Bridal Creeper project funded by a Community Groundworks program supported by the
South West Catchment Council through the Australian Government’s National Landcare
Program. This involved thousands of kilometres of roadside and reserve mapping,
spraying by licenced contractors and spreading of rust. Bridal Creeper control
workshops were run in conjunction with Bridgetown Community Landcare, where BBI
distributed harvested Bridal Creeper rust and packaged quantities of low dose
metsulphurin for participants to take home and apply.
A major concern for BBI staff and committee members is the difficulty of developing or
accessing accurate mapping data. This requires specialist skills and software that is
beyond the capacity of the group at this stage of its development. Another challenge is
the time it takes to develop customised ‘Pest Management Plans’ for each declared
species that may be subject to a landholder rate. There are clear limitations to the
scope of activity that part-time staff and volunteers can undertake and targeted
assistance could help the group move forward.
BBI has recently commissioned a weed scientist to prepare a weed management plan
to address the species Cleavers in the group’s operational area. This plan and
subsequent on ground control has been funded by a State NRM Community Action
Grant, with the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes providing additional funds for weed
mapping and chemical control.
In 2016 BBI invested a lot of money in mailing two and a half thousand absentee land
owners in the Shires of Bridgetown-Greenbushes, Boyup Brook and Nannup, letting
24
them know about the group, their rights and responsibilities in respect to declared pests,
some weed and pest animal information, and how BBI could help them meet this
responsibility. The group reports a good response to that initiative, with staff fielding
calls and spending hours on the phone talking to people about their individual situation.
This response has continued for many months after the letter was delivered, with
landholders signing up for membership and wanting to be kept in the loop. This
response from absentee landowners has been inspiring for the BBI committee and staff.
As BBI considers moving towards raising a rate from its landholder community, the
group will increase its focus on community engagement to ensure support. There is still
uncertainty about how the rate will be received so initially the financial contribution may
need to be modest to reduce community opposition
Lessons for Biosecurity Group Development
BBI staff, group members and DAFWA staff have identified these lessons. The
research team has distilled additional lessons from the collected data and
associated literature.
BBI is a relatively new group that has progressed quickly through the process of
becoming a Recognised Biosecurity Group. The success of this group may rest on the
diversity of its committee membership and the employment of an Executive Officer,
which has reduced the workload for the volunteer committee. This experience offers
useful lessons for other communities who may be interested in becoming a RBG for
invasive species management.
Be wary of burnout: Committee members need to have both skills and time
available to work on behalf of the group. Committee recruitment needs pay
attention to the realistic capacity of the members to take on the commitment to
"see it through". It is imperative to employ effective staff that can relieve the
workload of the volunteers and to reduce administrative 'burn out'.
25
Seek good quality information: Access to good quality information is important
for supporting proactive behaviour by group members. This includes knowledge
of invasive species problems in the region, understanding the demographics of
the region and being aware of what is involved in Biosecurity Group membership.
Use technology where available: BBI has been proactive in adopting user-
friendly apps such as ‘My Weed Watcher’, ‘My Pest Guide’ and ‘Feral Scan’
however it may be necessary to provide training for community members to
ensure they can use the technology effectively.
Develop and learn from networks: Group members advise seeking out existing
Biosecurity Groups and learning from their experience. This helps clarify
expectations of the group and what is involved. Seek assistance and training for
governance skills and community engagement for committee members and staff
as required.
Try new things: This group has had success with innovative community events
and recommends trying new activities to draw media and community interest.
Utilise social media if this is suitable for your target community.
Collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders: Look for opportunities to
collaborate and cooperate with other related groups, neighbouring organisations
and any other stakeholders who may be supportive of biosecurity action.
Consider the full range of landholders in the target area: particularly large or
commercial scale holdings as they also pay rates.
Generate enthusiasm: Leadership and direction is important. Focus on
developing strategic plans and operational plans that can build on the group's
enthusiasm by getting on ground results.
26
Don’t lose heart: Be prepared for slow progress in the start up and development
phase of a new group. Getting all the procedures and paper work in place is time
consuming, as is developing working relationships and building community
awareness – the advice from BBI members is ‘don’t lose heart!’
Conclusion
Biosecurity groups need to develop their own identity if they are to succeed in gaining
community trust and acceptance. The reduced role of government in biosecurity
management has created an opportunity for local communities to take leadership on
these issues. As this case study has revealed, there are challenges to be faced and
community members and government staff must be prepared to from previous
experience.
Community-led efforts can complement the compliance and regulatory functions of
government. They can also develop local skills and capacity to address biosecurity
problems, assisting landholders to meet their obligations under the BAM Act 2007.
However these community efforts need to be underpinned by good governance, strong
planning and financial stability, if they are to gain the support and acceptance of their
community members.
Concluding comments are drawn from the BBI Executive Officer who affirms that:
We consider ALL of our ONGROUND WORKS as successful in creating community
engagement and species awareness. This includes hands-on workshops,
demonstrations and talks.
We are soon to embark on another round of Feral Animal Control workshops and
thanks to a kind donation/semi permanent loan of 12 fox traps and 11 more cat traps
from Blackwood Basin Group, we look forward to getting a lot more traps out to trained
landholders, particularly those in peri-urban situations where other control methods are
27
limited.
Appendix A: context of the study
Western Australia is currently undergoing a transformation in biosecurity
management for invasive species management. The Department of Agriculture and
Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) is implementing a shift from a government-led to an
industry and community-led approach. Under the Biosecurity and Agriculture
Management Act 2007 (BAM Act), establishment of Recognised Biosecurity Groups
(RBGs) provides a secure funding mechanism for a community coordinated approach to
pest management. In some areas, biosecurity groups are operating but these groups
require further development to become formally recognised as RBGs. In other regions,
landholder capacity to lead biosecurity management needs to be built in collaboration
with industry and community organisations. The Royalties for Regions 'Transforming
Regional Biosecurity Response' project [the Transformation project] has been funded to
provide support to a range of identified pilot groups that are currently working towards
recognition over a two-year period.
28
Figure 2: map of actual and potential biosecurity groups as of April 2017. This map is regularly updated to reflect changes, please contact DAFWA for an updated map.
The Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre (IA-CRC) and the
Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA) have embarked on an action
research partnership. This partnership is focused on working together to support the
changes underway in Western Australian biosecurity management, through capacity
building and knowledge sharing. Working with the Transforming Regional Biosecurity
Response project (referred to throughout as the 'Transformation project') researchers
from the University of New England (UNE) have contributed to a range of project
activities, such as:
Formation of the Biosecurity staff Community of Interest;
Mentoring support for the Community engagement Manager;
Providing access to learning networks, research papers and professional
contacts;
Presentation of current research from the IACRC program 4 through video
conferencing and YouTube;
Assistance with the development of the 2015 needs analysis;
29
Attendance at Biosecurity forums and presentation of behavioural science
research to biosecurity groups and DAFWA staff.
Program 4 of the IACRC is about increasing community action in invasive
species management. The research program wants to understand the human
dimensions of pest management and improve community action to address this
problem. This is an action research project using social science methods.
An important feature of the collaboration is providing DAFWA staff and
community members with information that is specific to the WA context. This information
is valuable because it brings the world of research to the doorstep of the Transformation
project. This enables us to make sense of what we are experiencing, learn from
previous experiences and improve our current practice. This report shares the results of
documentary evidence, questionnaires and interviews and makes another contribution
to the collaboration.
Appendix B: Methodology
Case selection:
The 3 case study sites were nominated by DAFWA
Northern Mallee Biosecurity Group
Blackwood Biosecurity Group
Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group
Each nominated biosecurity group was at different stages of development. The result is
3 case studies that chart progress over time and provide insight to the challenges,
strategies and key learning from these groups.
Data collection: (all data was collected in compliance with UNE human ethics protocols
HE15-250)
1. Desktop review of publicly available documentary evidence – collected in 2016
and updated in 2017.
2. Two written questionnaires developed by IACRC researcher and administered by
DAFWA staff:
30
o Questionnaire 1 – Open ended questions for DAFWA staff who have been involved in the support of the group development (attached in Appendix C)
o Questionnaire 2 – Open ended questions for biosecurity group committee members and staff (attached in Appendix D)
Analysis: Questionnaire data compiled and analysed using qualitative policy research
methods that interrogate data within a framework of political, social and economic
dynamics.
References:
Bacchi, C. (2009). Analysing Policy: What's the problem represented to be? : Pearson Australia.
Majchrzak, A. (1984). Methods for Policy Research: Sage.
Case study development:
1. Draft case study circulated for review and comment to DAFWA staff; biosecurity
group staff and committee members.
2. Review comments incorporated into final case study.
31
Appendix C
Part A: Details about the way the group started:
1) What is their main pest species? (can list more than one)
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
2) How would you describe the ‘trigger’ that got this group started? A trigger might be a
species, a change in funding or a local community dynamic.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
3) When did they become a biosecurity group?
___________________________________________________________
4) How long have you worked with this group?
___________________________________________________________
Case Study BACKGROUND information questionnaire
These questions are to be filled out by the DAFWA staff who work with the group.
This provides core background information for the case study.
This case study is for the period from July 2015-June 2016.
NB: If you don’t know the answer, please ask your group. A lot of this information
should be in their annual report.
.
32
Part B: A brief history of the group:
5) What other groups in the area fed into this Biosecurity group?
o For example: Landcare group, or a DSG? (please include any others that
you can think of)
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
6) What kind of ‘ups and downs’ have they had since becoming a biosecurity group?
(e.g. committee conflict; public response; confusion, etc.)
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
7) Are they implementing invasive species control activities?
a) If YES, please provide a brief description (what species/ what activities):
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
b) If NO, please explain why (in your own words):
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
33
Part C: Governance details (for the current financial year 2015/16):
8) Please fill in this table about the group’s Committee membership (add more rows if
necessary).
Role on the committee (please add other roles eg general committee member; industry rep etc.)
Name Date commenced
Other roles they hold in the community – either employed or voluntary
Chairperson
Treasurer
Secretary
9) How many members are there currently in this group?
___________________________________________________________
10) What are the requirements to become a member?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
11) Does the group have any external secretariat support?
If YES
a) Who provides this support? (eg local government/DAFWA biosecurity officer,
etc)
34
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
b) Who pays for this support?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
12) Does the group have any paid staff?
If YES:
a) What is their role?
___________________________________________________________
b) When did this paid staff begin working for the group?
___________________________________________________________
c) How do they fund this paid staff?
___________________________________________________________
Part D: Details about the group operations:
13) Does the group have any procedures or protocols about how they communicate
within the group? Eg: between committee members; committee and general
membership.
Please provide details:
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
14) Does the group have any procedures or protocols about how they communicate to
35
those outside the group? Eg. Media communications; a communication strategy?
Please provide details:
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
15) Does the group identify different stakeholders? Eg: Industry, community and
government networks (land councils, NRM groups, LGA, etc).
Please list these stakeholders or provide any documents the group has produced:
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
16) What planning processes has the group put in place? Tick the box – please provide
copies of any of these documents:
An invasive species plan;
A community engagement plan;
A communication plan etc.
Other (internal code of conduct etc). Please provide detail:
17) This space is for you to include any other relevant information – the more detail you
provide, the more complete the case study will be.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!
Please return this completed questionnaire to Tanya Howard:
Feel free to email or call me: 0417 002 084 if you have any questions or need
assistance with the case study data collection.
36
Appendix D
Case study Biosecurity Group Questionnaire
The Invasive Animals CRC and the University of New England are partnering with DAFWA to understand the factors that influence landholder involvement and action in biosecurity groups in Western Australia. Your group has been selected as a case study for this project. This case study will provide useful information for other communities that may want to start a biosecurity group. Your answers will remain anonymous. Please complete the following questionnaire. You can do this by yourself or in conversation with your DAFWA biosecurity officer. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Have you signed the ‘Participant consent form’? (please circle) If YES please proceed; if NO, please explain why
not: _____________
START
1. Do you own or reside on a block of land more than 10 ha (25
acres)? Yes / No (if no, move to question 6)
The next questions are about your property.
2. What size is your property? ______________________________
(ha / acres)
3. What is the main enterprise on your property?
Cattle production Mixed farming Lifestyle
Dairy Dryland cropping Residential
Sheep production Irrigated cropping Other:
Other livestock: Boutique
enterprise:
Specify___________
Specify___________ Specify___________
4. Is your property your main source of income? Yes No
37
5. How long have you owned / lived on your property? -
_____________ years
The next questions are about your participation in the regional
biosecurity group.
6. What is the name of your regional biosecurity group?
______________
7. What is your role in the regional biosecurity group? (please
circle)
Committee member
Group member
Employee
Other (Specify): ______________
8. How long have you been involved in the group?
Less than 12 mths less than 24 mths 3-5 yrs 5-7 yrs
8-10 yrs 10+ yrs
9. Why did you get involved in the group? (please circle the
answer)
Pest species impact (specify)
____________________________________
Compliance action from DAFWA
Biosecurity information from DAFWA
Access to seed funding
Friends and family expectations
Other (specify) ________________________________________________
10. In the next 12 months,
how often do you intend to…
neve
r
rare
ly
sometim
es
frequen
tly
very
frequen
tly
a. attend meetings run by the
group? 1 2 3 4 5
b. participate in any
education activities (e.g.
field days) organised by
these group?
1 2 3 4 5
c. participate in pest
control activities (e.g.
group baiting) organised by
these group?
1 2 3 4 5
d. be involved in the
organisation of the group
(e.g. member of the
1 2 3 4 5
38
committee)
11. People give many reasons why they do or do not become
involved in the leading and administrating of local and regional
pest animal management groups. Here is a list of reasons.
Please indicate to what extent you agree or disagree with each
statement (1=strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree).
disagree agree
a. I find it easy to work with
other group members 1 2 3 4 5
b. I do have the skills to be a
committee member 1 2 3 4 5
c. I do have the time to commit to
be involved the group’s
organisation
1 2 3 4 5
d. I can afford the time away from
work 1 2 3 4 5
e. I believe the groups programs
will reduce the impact of pest
animals in my area
1 2 3 4 5
f. Committee membership is valued
in our community 1 2 3 4 5
g. I believe my involvement will
assist with pest animal management
in my area
1 2 3 4 5
h. I do trust the other members on
the committee 1 2 3 4 5
i. I enjoy interacting with the
other members of the group 1 2 3 4 5
j. Being involved with the group
is a way I feel I can help my
community
1 2 3 4 5
k. My family and friends expect me
to be involved with the group 1 2 3 4 5
l. I am involved for the
recognition I receive from others 1 2 3 4 5
m. I would feel guilty if I did
not donate my time to help my
community
1 2 3 4 5
39
40
12. People have identified that access to good quality
information is important for biosecurity group development and
community engagement. Please tell me to what extent to you agree
or disagree with each statement (1=strongly disagree to 5 =
strongly agree)
disagree agree
a. I find it easy to access good
quality information about invasive
species in my area
1 2 3 4 5
b. I find it easy to access good
quality information about
biosecurity group development in my
area
1 2 3 4 5
c. I know where to look for
information about invasive species
in my area
1 2 3 4 5
d. I know where to look for
information about biosecurity group
development in my area
1 2 3 4 5
13. Are you aware of any other local or regional based groups
with an interest in pest management in your area? Eg NRM bodies;
Landcare groups; Aboriginal Land Councils etc.
Yes Specify:___________________________________ No
14. Are you a member of any of these groups?
Yes Specify:___________________________________ No
15. Does your biosecurity group have a strategy for working with
these other groups?
Yes Specify:___________________________________ No
16. We are interested in what you have learned so far from your
experience in the biosecurity group. The next questions are
open-ended so please respond in your own words:
a. What challenges have you encountered in your biosecurity
group development?
41
b. What benefits you have experienced in your biosecurity group
development?
c. What advice would you give to other communities thinking
about starting a biosecurity group?
And just to finish off…
17. What year were you born? __________________
18. Gender Male Female
19. What is the highest level of education you have achieved?
Year 10 or less College Certificate
or Diploma
Year 11 Undergraduate Degree
Year 12 Post Graduate Degree
Trade
qualification/Apprenticeship
Other
____________________
That completes the survey. Please return it to your biosecurity officer or by email to: [email protected]
Thank you for your time and help today. Details of the research project, including
contact details, are on the Information Sheet.
42
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43
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