TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO HAVE A SAY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF PEST ANIMALS

Monday, March 19 2018

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging the community to have a say on the management of pest animals in our electorate.  

Ms Cooke said the impact of pest animals on primary production and on our natural environment can be severe. 

“The draft regional strategic pest animal plans have been developed and are currently on public exhibition,” she said. 

“The Cootamundra electorate, which falls under the Riverina draft plan, is geographically vast and agriculturally diverse with a wide ride of pest habitats and species as a result. 

“This plan identifies the pest animal risks present in our region, sets pest animal management priorities, and provides for the coordinated management of pest animals specific to the Riverina Local Land Services region. 

“Managing the impact of pest animals not only has positive outcomes for primary industries, but also for the natural environment and our local communities,” she said. 

The plans are a direct response from the NSW Government to the Natural Resource Commission review into the management of pest animals. 

They have been developed collaboratively through regional pest animal committees and alongside Local Land Services, to establish strategies and actions to achieve goals that focus on shared responsibility for pest animal management.

“It’s vital these plans are developed with the community to ensure a strong and responsive pest animal risk management that’s focused on outcomes and based on regional priorities,” Ms Cooke said. 

Anyone who has a concern about pest animal management is encouraged to comment on the draft plans.

Visit www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au to read through your regional plan and submit feedback.

The plan will be on public exhibition until Friday, April 20, 2018.