Biological Controls

Council uses biological control agents for a range of plant/pests where these controls are environmentally acceptable and both cost-effective and sustainable. Biological control introduces and establishes natural enemies that prey on or adversely affect a pest. This control helps to restore the natural balance between a pest and its environment.

For pests that are well-established, biological control, in conjunction with other technical methods, provides the most effective long-term control method. As a control method, it has high initial establishment costs, although the benefits of biological control accrue more widely than to just the individual land occupier.

Consequently, Council invests in appropriate biological control programmes. Council provides financial and logistical support to research agencies for a service that includes supplying biological control agents, managing release sites, collecting data and training field staff.