The Torres Strait Regional Biosecurity Plan 2018-2023 establishes a regional framework for managing weeds, pest animals and diseases of plants and animals across the Torres Strait. It aims to protect the region’s environmental, economic, social and cultural values by empowering communities, strengthening regional decision-making and integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge with scientific approaches. Recognising biosecurity risks from both Papua New Guinea and mainland Australia, the Plan addresses natural and human-assisted pathways of introduction and spread. The Plan establishes five outcomes: preventing biosecurity threats from becoming established or spreading; controlling existing and emerging threats; strengthening community knowledge and skills; improving coordination among responsible organisations; and monitoring, evaluating and reporting implementation. Measures include surveillance and mapping, controls on the movement of machinery and materials, hygiene protocols, management of priority weeds and pest animals, rapid responses to emerging threats, training of local government officers and Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers, community education, research, data sharing and enforcement of biosecurity obligations. Island-specific priorities are supported through Island Biosecurity Action Plans. Implementation involves the Torres Strait Regional Authority, local governments, Australian and Queensland government agencies, Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate, research institutions, island communities and residents. The Torres Strait Invasive Species Advisory Group oversees coordination, monitoring and annual evaluation, while implementation actions identify responsible stakeholders, timeframes, resourcing and indicators of success.
Australia · 2018-01-01