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www.lls.nsw.gov.au North West Regional Weed Incursion Plan 2018 2022

North West Regional Weed Incursion Plan...NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018 -2021 and the Biosecurity Act 2015. 6 1.6 Principles underpinning the NW RWIP 6 1.7 Legislation and policy

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Page 1: North West Regional Weed Incursion Plan...NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018 -2021 and the Biosecurity Act 2015. 6 1.6 Principles underpinning the NW RWIP 6 1.7 Legislation and policy

www.lls.nsw.gov.au

North West

Regional Weed Incursion Plan

2018 – 2022

Page 2: North West Regional Weed Incursion Plan...NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018 -2021 and the Biosecurity Act 2015. 6 1.6 Principles underpinning the NW RWIP 6 1.7 Legislation and policy

www.lls.nsw.gov.au

Published by North West Local Land Services

North West Regional Weed Incursion Plan 2017-2022

First published August 2018 www.northwest.lls.nsw.gov.au

© State of New South Wales through Local Land Services, 2018 Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing August 2018. However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon which they rely is up to date and to check currency of the information with the appropriate officer of Local Land Services or the user’s independent adviser.

Version Author Date Comments

0.1 Peter Dawson February 2018 First Draft for NWRWC review

0.2 Peter Dawson May 2018 Revised Draft after NWRWC Meeting

0.3 Peter Dawson August 2018 Final Draft after NWRWC Meeting Endorsed by NWRWC 9/08/2018

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North West Regional Weed Incursion Plan

1

North West ......................................................................................................................................... 1

Regional Weed Incursion Plan ......................................................................................................... 1

2018 – 2022 ........................................................................................................................................ 1

Abbreviations .................................................................................................................................... 2

Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................... 2

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................... 3

1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 4

1.1 Background to the NW Regional Weed Incursion Plan 5

1.2 Purpose of the NW RWIP 5

1.3 Objectives of the NW RWIP 5

1.4 Application of the NW RWIP 6

1.5 Timeframe for the NW RWIP 6

The NW RWIP has a currency aligned to the NW RWC Weeds Action Business Plan 2015 – 2020

which sets out the strategies and mechanisms to consolidate the alliance between member

organizations of NW RWC, to undertake and implement the NSW “Weeds Action Plan”, as funded by

the NSW Government. It also allows for Local Control Authorities to meet their obligations under the

NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018 -2021 and the Biosecurity Act 2015. 6

1.6 Principles underpinning the NW RWIP 6

1.7 Legislation and policy framework 7

Chart 1: NW Regional Weed Incursion Plan 2017 - 2022 Policy Framework ............................................ 7

1.8 The NW RWIP Process 7

Procedure for a Parthenium Weed Outbreak ................................................................................... 9

2. STAGES OF THE NW RWIP ................................................................................................... 10

................................................................................................................................................... 10

................................................................................................................................................... 10

Chart 3: NWRWC Weed Incursion Plan Stages ................................................................................... 10

2.1 Prevention 11

2.2 Preparedness for weed incursions 11

2.3 Weed incursion preparedness checklist 11

2.4 Response 12

2.6 Recovery 18

3. COMMUNICATION ................................................................................................................. 18

3.1 Communication actions 18

4. INFORMATION SYSTEMS...................................................................................................... 19

5. REVIEW OF THE WEED INCURSION PLAN.......................................................................... 19

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North West Regional Weed Incursion Plan

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Abbreviations

AQIS Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service

AUSBIOSEC Australian Biosecurity System for Primary Production and the Environment

AWS Australian Weed Strategy

BO Biosecurity Officer

DPI NSW Department of Primary Industries

LCA Local Control Authority

NW North West

NW RWC North West Regional Weed Committee

NW RWIP North West Regional Weed Incursion Plan 2017 - 2022

NW RRP North West Rapid Response Plan 2017 - 2022

NW RSWMP NW Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan 2017 - 2022

NW WAP North West Weeds Action Program 2015 - 2020

NW WIT North West Weed Incursion Team

SWC State Weed Committee

WRA Weed Risk Assessment

Acknowledgements

The North West Regional Weed Incursion Plan has been modelled on the National Weed Incursion Plan. NW RWC wishes

to thank Phillip Maher, Senior Project Officer, Biosecurity QLD, Department of Primary Industries and the participants of

the 2007 workshop which developed many of the principles of the National Weed Incursion Plan.

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North West Regional Weed Incursion Plan

3

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The North West Regional Weed Incursion Plan (NW RWIP) is an operational plan and guideline for managing responses to new weed incursions in the North West Local Land Services region of NSW and sits within the National Weed Incursion Plan (NWIP) and NSW New Weed Incursion Plan framework.

The NW WIP rests within the framework and provides the essential steps required to execute a response to a new high risk weed incursion. It is consistent with current major incident documents such as PLANTPLAN and is directly linked to the North West Rapid Response Plan (NW RRP) document, and NW RWC Communication Strategy.

Application of the NW RWIP is triggered by the detection of a new high-risk weed species.

Outlined in the document are procedures that are generic for all responses to weed incursions in the region, while the Appendices include significant detail on different components of the plan

Section Two contains information pertaining to the prevention and preparedness stages for weed incursions in line with the National Weed Incursion Plan (NWIP).

A major component of the NW RWIP is an overview of the response to weed incursions where the four phases of response are provided as a step-by-step guide to those involved in an incursion response. The four stages are:

o Prevention

o Preparedness

o Response

o Recovery

The response and recovery phases are covered in generic terms within this document and are detailed in full in the separate document titled the “NW Rapid Response Plan (NW RRP).

The Communication and Information systems are fundamental to the NW RWIP. These cover communication strategies, media, and information management for a response and whilst covered in this plan, more detailed provisions are contained within the NW RWC Regional Capacity Building, Engagement and Communications Strategy.

This plan was endorsed by the NW RWC Committee on 9 August 2018.

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North West Regional Weed Incursion Plan

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1. INTRODUCTION

The North West region covers an area of 8,249,624 hectares in north-western NSW. It includes the major population centres of Tamworth, Gunnedah, Moree and Narrabri and stretches from Nundle in the south-east to Boggabilla in the north-east and Lightning Ridge and Walgett in the west.

It is bounded by the Great Dividing Range in the east, the Liverpool Ranges and Warrumbungle Ranges in the south and the Queensland / NSW boarder in the north. Major tributaries are the Namoi, Peel, Mooki, Cockburn, Manilla and McDonald rivers in the Namoi Catchment and the Macintyre, Gwydir, Severn and Barwon rivers in the Gwydir Catchment.

The region is made up of seven local government areas, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Narrabri, Tamworth Regional and Walgett Shire Councils.

Figure 1.1: North West Local Land Services region

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North West Regional Weed Incursion Plan

5

1.1 Background to the NW Regional Weed Incursion Plan

A response to a new weed incursion is potentially a complex undertaking that requires rapid mobilisation and coordination of a diverse team of people and resources. The North West Regional Weed Incursion Plan (NW RWIP) provides an operational plan and guidelines for managing a regional response to new weed incursions.

The region has responded in recent times to a number of high-risk weed incursions including a Tropical Soda Apple incursion during 2010. The adequacy of response has been based on the capacity to deliver an eradication program. Adopting the four stages of prevention, preparedness, response and recovery within the region reduces the threat, prevents or mitigates against the threat and prepares the Local Control Authorities for responses to weed incursions.

The NW Rapid Response Plan document covers the phases in the response and recovery stages, providing a step-by-step guide for handling responses to weed incursions. A summary of these phases is included in this document to provide an overview of actions in the NW Rapid Response Plan.

The appendices supporting the NW RWIP provide significantly more detail on various aspects of the document.

The NW RWIP describes procedures for a response, however the steps may occur in slightly different order or may occur concurrently depending on the situation. It may be necessary to allow for modification, innovation and adaptation depending on the nature and size of the incursion, the availability and capability of personnel and the progress of the response.

1.2 Purpose of the NW RWIP

The purpose of the NW RWIP is to:

1. provide guidelines for the consistent management of responses to weed incursions by

appropriately trained personnel in the region

2. provide compatibility of operation and procedures within the NW RWC region and with adjoining

Regional Weed Committees

3. a focus for training personnel in operational response procedures, and

4. provide guidelines for the development of standard operating procedures for personnel involved

in response management.

1.3 Objectives of the NW RWIP

Prevent the introduction and establishment of new weed incursions in the region on public and private land.

Support NSW government in the prevention of introduction of new weeds. Inspection programs will achieve the following NSW Invasive Species Plan targets:

Support a surveillance program to enhance the reporting of new weed incursions in the region and state.

Determine the appropriate type of response to each category of new weed incursion.

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North West Regional Weed Incursion Plan

6

Assess the potential impact on agricultural, environmental and social values of each incursion of high-risk weed species.

Monitor, report and evaluate the type and number of new responses to high-risk weed incursions and the effectiveness of on-ground management and eradication programs.

Review the NW RWIP biennially to improve and enhance preparedness and response outcomes.

1.4 Application of the NW RWIP

The NW RWIP will be used by the region to ensure that weed incursions are dealt with in a rapid, effective and consistent manner.

1.5 Timeframe for the NW RWIP

The NW RWIP has a currency aligned to the NW RWC Weeds Action Business Plan 2015 – 2020 which

sets out the strategies and mechanisms to consolidate the alliance between member organizations of

NW RWC, to undertake and implement the NSW “Weeds Action Plan”, as funded by the NSW

Government. It also allows for Local Control Authorities to meet their obligations under the NSW

Invasive Species Plan 2018 -2021 and the Biosecurity Act 2015.

Linked to the NW RWC Weeds Action Business Plan 2015 – 2020 is the NW Regional Strategic Weed

Management Plan 2017 – 2022 which provides a regional framework for the guidance and

prioritisation of weed issues in the North West region for the implementation of action plans for the

control of local weeds.

This strategy was modeled from the four goals of the NSW Invasive Species Plan 2017 - 2021

1. Exclude - prevent the establishment of new invasive species

2. Eradication or contain – eliminate, or prevent the spread of new invasive species

3. Effectively manage – reduce the impacts of widespread invasive species

4. Capacity building – ensure NSW has the ability and commitment to manage invasive species

1.6 Principles underpinning the NW RWIP

The NW Regional Weed Incursion Plan has been developed to address goals one, two and four of the NSW Invasive Species Plan 2018 – 2021;

Goal 1: Exclude – prevent the establishment of new invasive species Goal 2: Eradicate or contain – eliminate, or prevent the spread of new invasive species Goal 4: Capacity building – ensure NSW has the ability and commitment to manage invasive species

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North West Regional Weed Incursion Plan

7

1.7 Legislation and policy framework

The NW RWIP fits into a hierarchy of frameworks, strategies, and legislation within the region, the state and nationally as summarized in Chart 1.

Chart 1: NW Regional Weed Incursion Plan 2017 - 2022 Policy Framework

1.8 The NW RWIP Process

The NW RWIP will help coordinate the surveillance and identification of weeds and weed pathways,

the risk assessment of species and the implementation of effective barriers to prevent their

establishment. The following chapter outlines the stages of the NW RWIP.

A summary of the NW RWIP process based on the NSW New Weed Incursion Plan 2009 - 2015 is

detailed on the following page:

NW Regional Weed Incursion

Plan 2017-2022

(NW RWIP)

NSW New Weed Incursion Plan

2009 – 2015 (NSW WIP)

&

Biosecurity Strategy for NSW

NWRWC Rapid Response Plan

2018 – 2022

(NW RRP)

NW Regional Strategic Weed

Management Plan

2017 – 2022

(NW RSWMP)

&

NW Weeds Action

Business Plan 2015 - 2020

NSW Invasive Species Plan

2017 – 2021

(NSW ISP)

&

Biosecurity Act 2015

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North West Regional Weed Incursion Plan

8

Chart 2: NWRWC Weed Incursion Plan Process (based on NSW Weed Incursion Plan)

Ad-hoc observation Deliberate targeted

surveillance

Species Search Pathway Analysis

Plant detected

Identification

Confirmed

Preliminary

Assessment

Plant already

recorded

Weed Risk

Management system

Notification

Invasive plants response

procedures for

NWRWC

Review Process

Regional

Eradication

Monitoring &

Evaluation

Pathway analysis

Containment

NWRWC Rapid

Response Plan

Regional & State

cost sharing

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North West Regional Weed Incursion Plan

9

Procedure for a Parthenium Weed Outbreak

Chart 3: NWRWC Parthenium Weed Incursion Plan Process

Positive identification of

Parthenium weed plant

Ensure vehicles are not contaminated

while inspecting the site. Inform landholder

of Parthenium weed and its significance

and the landholder’s responsibility.

Establish the extent of the

infestation

Contact NSW DPI Invasive

Species Officer

Establish a

containment barrier

Contact NSW DPI Regional

Invasive Species Officer

Reporting submitted in BIS

Implement Management

Plan for the infestation

Establish and contain

source Establish where else source could

have spread plants. Outline legal

obligations to the source distributor

Use Best Practice Management

procedures and incorporating spread

prevention, control options and

monitoring procedures

Follow Local Control

Authority notification protocol

Take GPS reading of

the location

Publicity

Control

Including field days, newspapers, social

media, local radio and TV stations

Monitor for a minimum of 7 – 10 years.

The number of inspections will depend on

the type of infestation and climatic

conditions.

Monitor

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North West Regional Weed Incursion Plan

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2. STAGES OF THE NW RWIP

Responses to weed incursions in Australia are managed in a similar way to bushfires and other

natural disasters. To ensure a common understanding of incursion response this document is based

on the Australian Inter-service Incident Management System – Incident Control system and the Plant

Health Australia Plant Plan. Both models divide incident management into four stages:

*AIMMS

(Australian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIMMS)

Chart 3: NWRWC Weed Incursion Plan Stages

As part of BIOSEC protocols, it is recommended that the Australian Inter-service Incident

Management Systems (AIMMS) be adopted in Rapid Response Plans.1

1 National Weed Incursion Plan P59

Prevention Preparedness Response Recovery

NWRWC

Incursion Plan

NWRWC

Rapid Response Plan

Control

Planning Operations Logistics

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North West Regional Weed Incursion Plan

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*AIMMS provides a system that facilitates the coordination of all activities by all parties involved in

the resolution of an emergency.

2.1 Prevention

The following check list summarises the critical decisions to be checked off for the prevention phase:

Formal notification systems in place at the state herbaria YES / NO

Is there available taxonomic expertise to verify weed species? YES / NO

Is the weed species a state level priority weed under the Biosecurity Act 2015? YES / NO

Is there a definitive Weed Risk Assessment available of the Weed species? YES / NO

Are there hygiene protocols in place for safe handling of high risk species YES / NO

Are there existing post-boundary regional surveillance networks to link into? YES / NO

Table 1: Checklist of Critical Decisions to be made in the Prevention Phase

2.2 Preparedness for weed incursions

Being in an active state of readiness (preparedness) significantly reduces the response time to new

weed incursions, ultimately improving the outcomes of management efforts.

Preparedness for a response to a weed incursion requires a number of key elements;2

Early detection and verification

Known reporting lines

Agreed decision making processes

Contingency response plans and

Coordinated response procedures.

2.3 Weed incursion preparedness checklist

Weed incursion preparedness actions will be formulated for new weed species (refer weed alerts list

Appendix 4) that are not yet in the region as part of the Rapid Response Plan.

If a new incursion has occurred in the region and is ranked as a high priority under the Weed Risk

Assessment process (refer Appendix 3) a species specific weed management plan will be prepared

under the guidelines of the Rapid Response Plan.

The following check list summarises the critical decisions to be checked off for the preparedness

phase:

Is there a Weed Management Plan ready for use in the event of a new weed incursion? YES / NO

Does the weed species meet NSW DPI emergency funding criteria? YES / NO

2 National Weed Incursion Plan P13

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North West Regional Weed Incursion Plan

12

Is there existing research available on the weed species? YES / NO

Table 2: Checklist of Critical Decisions to be made in the preparedness phase

2.4 Response

There are four phases of the NW Rapid Response Plan activated in response to a new weed incursion:

Investigation

Alert (Scoping)

Operational Response (eradication and containment)

Stand Down

This section provides a brief overview of the processes.

Operational details are contained in the NW Rapid Response Plan which is modeled on the National

Weed Incursion Plan.

A summary of the trigger points along with the phases of the response are listed in Table 3.

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Phases / Triggers Detection Verification / Notification Weed Risk Assessment

WRA

Surveillance Planning Response

Investigation Detection of suspect weed Identification verified and

notified

Preliminary WRA

(could be based on

existing WRA)

Notify state authority

(I&I NSW)

Establish a preliminary

Weed Incursion Team (WIT)

Scoping / Alert Detection/s of suspect

weed/s may occur at all

phases of the response

Verification and

notification of suspect

weed/s may occur at all

phases of the response

Final WRA

Scoping and delimitation

at weed incursion site/s

Establish interim restricted

and control area

Investigate options for

treatment and assess needs

for chemical permits / trials Initiate declaration

process with I&I NSW

Instigate Weed

Management Plan

Set up control centre/s

depending on the level of

response

Operational -

Containment

Detection/s of

suspect weed/s

may occur at all phases of

the response

Verification

and notification of

suspect weed/s may

occur at all phases of the

response

Trace back and trace

forward programs in

region

Establish quarantine areas Establish Weed Incursion

Team (WIT)

Decision on eradication vs

containment

Application of chemical

treatment /s or integrated

weed management Delimitation program in

area

Develop an exit strategy

Operational –

Eradication

Delimitation program

continues in area

Endorse successful

eradication or recommend

termination

WIT implements WMP

including organizational

arrangements

On-going surveillance,

trace back and mapping

Application of chemical

treatment /s or integrated

weed management

Stand Down On-going surveillance,

trace back and mapping

Develop site / local/ regional

rehabilitation plan/s

Implement exit strategy

Recovery On-going surveillance,

trace back and mapping

Implement site / local/

regional rehabilitation

plan/s

Table 3: Trigger points along the phases of the response continuum

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2.5a Summary of procedures and actions in the Response Investigation Phase

(some actions may occur simultaneously)

Agency

Procedures / Actions

Responsibility

LCA

Detection of a suspect weed incursion

Landholder, community group member, consultant, state

or local agency person or other individual submits

suspect weed incursion information

Initial verification and formal notification

State herbarium provides verification and notification to

relevant Authorised Office

Landholder/s informed

Local Control Authority (LCA) advises landholder/s of

incursion verification, response process and obligations.

Adjoining weed control authorities, other

land management agencies/ stakeholders

informed

Authorised Office notifies authorities, agencies and

stakeholders

NWRWC co-ordinates relevant information

Local Control Authority (LCA) collects relevant

information for initial report

Notification to State Weed Control Co-

ordinator NSW DPI

Local Control Authority (LCA) reports notification

Preliminary WRA

NW RWC together with Local Control Authority (LCA) and

RWT carries out a preliminary WRA in association with

NSW DPI

Preliminary Weed Incursion Team (WIT)

established

NW RWC establishes preliminary WIT and convenes

meeting to discuss situation, identification, response

plan, administrative arrangements, communication,

media releases and establishment of WIT.

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2.5b Summary of procedures and actions in the Response Scoping / Alert phase

(some actions may occur simultaneously)

Agency

Procedures / Actions

Responsibility

LCA

Further work to confirm identification (if

required)

Lead Agency co-ordinates further specimens to

Royal Botanic Gardens Herbarium

Initial containment and scoping

Lead Agency delegates officers in the affected

areas to conduct initial surveys, inspect

properties, and take specimens to delimit the

extent of the incursion.

Develop the preliminary Weed Risk Assessment

(WRA) into a final WRA

Lead Agency, in collaboration with the Weed

Ecologist NSW DPI, prepares the Final WRA.

Develop a Weed Management Plan (WMP)

Lead Agency in collaboration with Weed

Incursion Team (WIT) prepares species specific

WMP.

Confirmation of weed incursion notified

Lead Agency notifies NSW DPI and prepares

report including WMP and Final WRA

NSW DPI

NSW DPI review

NSW DPI provides technical advice on WMP and

Final WRA and where necessary, oversees

implementation of a program to investigate the

feasibility of eradication.

LCA

Treatment options investigated

The WIT, in conjunction with NSW DPI,

investigates the options for treatment of the

new weed incursion and assesses the need for

chemical permits and or trials.

NW RWC

Weed incursion communication

The WIT, in conjunction with NSW DPI, co-

ordinates the development of a local / regional /

state / national communication / media release

as outlined in the NW RWC Communication

Strategy

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2.5c Summary of procedures and actions taken in the Response Operational: Containment Phase

(some actions may occur simultaneously)

Agency Procedures / Actions Responsibility

LCA & NW RWC Communicate Weed management Plan

(WMP) to property owners

Local Control Authority (LCA) to advise

affected property owners of implementation

of WMP

Communicate WMP to government and

affected industry

Local Control Authority (LCA) and I & I

Regional Invasive Species Officer to brief state

and local governments, industry and other

stakeholders of implementation of WMP

LCA Implement containment Local Control Authority (LCA) convenes Weed

Incursion Team (WIT) responsible for strategic

control of incursion, policy development,

financial administration, media and

stakeholder liaison.

NSW DPI & LCA Co-ordinate containment program

NSW DPI liaises with Local Control Authority

(LCA) to ensure timely implementation of

response actions.

NSW DPI Seek Expert advice (if applicable) NSW DPI seeks advise if applicable

Technical feasibility, business plan and cost

benefit analysis

NSW DPI prepares business plan and cost

benefit analysis of options on response

actions, in liaison with LCA/s

LCA & RWC Report to NSW DPI Local Control Authority (LCA) to provide

regular reports on progress

NSW DPI & NW

RWC

Decision on eradication vs containment NSW DPI in association with LCA/s, NW RWC,

and WIT considers feasibility of

eradication/containment and explores funding

options.

Develop cost-sharing proposal NSW DPI develops cost-sharing proposal to

fund response actions.

Report to State Government on eradication NSW DPI briefs Minister and SWC on feasibility

of containment / eradication and cost sharing

arrangements.

NW RWC Develop weed incursion exit strategy Lead Agency and WIT in association with NSW

DPI Regional Invasive Species Officer develops

exit strategy for stand down phase.

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2.5d Summary of the procedures and actions taken in the Response Operational: Eradication Phase

(some actions may occur simultaneously)

Agency

Procedures / Actions

Responsibility

NSW DPI Approve eradication campaign and

cost sharing arrangements

NSW DPI approves eradication campaign and funding

LCA Implement and manage eradication Weed Incursion Team (WIT) implements eradication program

Report to NSW DPI & RWC Local Control Authority (LCA) provides regular progress reports

NSW DPI &

RWC

Evaluation progress NSW DPI reviews progress & briefs Minister

Endorse continuation of successful

eradication or recommend

termination and brief Minister for

Primary Industries & SWC

NSW DPI to brief Minister & SWC on continuation or termination

of eradication.

2.5e Summary of procedures and actions taken in the stand down phase

Agency

Procedures / Actions

Responsibility

LCA & NW RWC Implement the exit strategy LCA, NW RWC and WIT implement strategy

Acquittal of funds and program

documentation

NW RWC and NSW DPI provide financial audited

reports.

NSW DPI Review intra- and inter- regional quarantine

arrangements (if applicable)

NSW DPI reviews arrangements and defines weed

incursion free zones (if applicable).

NW RWC Notify other partners NW RWC to notify other partner / stakeholder

organisations

Incident debrief and review of response NW RWC to organise de-brief workshop with WIT and

other operational staff and prepare report for NW RWC

NSW DPI Incident de-brief and review of evaluation

report from NW RWC

NSW DPI convenes de-brief and review meeting with

key stakeholders involved in rapid response.

NW RWC Revise NW Rapid Response Plan (RRP) NW RWC revises NW RRP following incident de-brief

meeting.

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2.6 Recovery

Has the NW RWC RWIP been reviewed and evaluated for currency and application? YES / NO

Has funding been allocated for rehabilitation of the weed incursion site/s? YES / NO

Has ongoing surveillance programs been set up to monitor for re-emergence of weed species?

YES / NO

Has the communication plan been reviewed and evaluated to include the recovery phase? YES / NO

Are landholders and the general public being encouraged to report further sightings? YES / NO

Is there further planning and financial assistance required to bring the affected area back to its normal level of functioning?

YES / NO

Table 4: Checklist of critical decisions to be made in the recovery phase

3. COMMUNICATION

Communication planning is a fundamental component of the NW RWIP and has been integrated into the

NW RWC Communication Strategy.

The North West Capacity Building, Engagement & Communications Strategy (and NW Rapid Response

Plans) will maintain organisational and community support, participation, alertness, and awareness and

ensure there is an effective flow of information during responses to new weed incursions.

3.1 Communication actions

The objectives of the communication are:

create maximum possible awareness of the weed incursion, the problem, its potential and

identification of the species

create a communications network that encourages community to report sightings/infestations of

the weed incursion

create and facilitate an effective working environment between, state, regional, local agencies and

the community

provide effective key messages that are consistent with the outcomes of the NW RWIP

provide quantifiable data into the future reporting requirements for the project

ensure all weed contingency and incursion action plans contain a communication component; and

respect confidentiality and privacy requirements to protect affected landholders/managers and to

not compromise investigations.

In each phase of the NW RWIP there will be a diverse range of stakeholders involved. Each of these will need to be engaged through a variety of methods and with a variety of messages. Refer to the NW RWC Communication Strategy 2017 – 2022 for a list of the potential stakeholders involved in the NW RWIP.

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4. INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Information and data management systems are essential to the NW RWIP. In a response to a weed incursion the information and data management system needs to be comprehensive, flexible and user friendly to allow for those individuals who may not use such systems during their normal duties.

Information and Data will be submitted through the NSW Weeds Metadata Standard (the Standard) describes the type and format of digital spatial and attributes data required by the BIS

5. REVIEW OF THE WEED INCURSION PLAN

The Weed Incursion Plan will be reviewed biennially as part of the NW RWC Weed Action Program.

It will also continue to be updated in conjunction with the Rapid Response Plan and amended as part of

the evaluation process of the response to new weed incursions.