New policy and response group to tackle 'Phytophthora' Dieback

6/3/04 Environment Minister Judy Edwards today launched a new CALM policy and set of best practice guidelines to tackle 'Phytophthora' Dieback (sometimes known as jarrah dieback), one of the greatest threats to our State's world renowned biodiversity.

6/3/04
Environment Minister Judy Edwards today launched a new CALM policy and set of best practice guidelines to tackle 'Phytophthora' Dieback (sometimes known as jarrah dieback), one of the greatest threats to our State's world renowned biodiversity.
"Recent studies have identified that just under 50 per cent of the State's 350 threatened plant species and 2000 of the 9000 known plant species in the South-West are susceptible to the disease," Dr Edwards said.
The new policy framework includes:

  • a new dieback response group modelled on the Tuart response group. It will include representatives from the Dieback Consultative Council, the Dieback Working Group, the Conservation Commission of Western Australia, the Murdoch University Centre for Phytophthora Science and Management, the Department of the Environment and CALM;
  • development of a dieback atlas for WA;
  • preparation of guidelines for other land tenures such as private and local government land;
  • preparation of a generic dieback risk assessment methodology for broad community use;
  • an action plan specifically to tackle the dieback threat to Fitzgerald River National Park, one of our most significant conservation reserves; and
  • a whole-of-government policy on dieback management.
"I will ensure the Conservation Commission has a role in auditing the implementation of the dieback policy to ensure that we are getting action on the ground to fight dieback in those areas of highest conservation priority," Dr Edwards said.
"I also see a potential role for the community in helping to audit the implementation of the policy through the community forest inspections. These are being piloted in the South-West and their initial success means I will be giving serious thought to continuing this program into the future.
"The task of addressing and managing the impacts of dieback will require cooperation from all stakeholders.
"I am confident that the end result will be improved focus on dieback mitigation management and improved protection of our State's unique biodiversity."
Copies of the draft management guidelines and draft CALM policy statement will be on the Department's website - http://www.naturebase.net from Monday March 8, 2004. Public comment closes on May 7.
Minister's office: 9220 5050