Regional Pest Management Strategy and Operational Plan
Council is involved in pest management to varying degrees depending on the extent, spread and costs of management for the various pests. Council’s main method of managing pests has been through developing and implementing a regional pest management strategy. The Regional Pest Management Strategy for Marlborough (Strategy) has been prepared by Council under the Biosecurity Act 1993 and includes pests that have a regional, rather than national significance.
The Council’s current Strategy classifies 33 plant and four animal species as pests, because they cause, or have the potential to cause significant adverse effects on Marlborough’s economy and/or environment.
Individual pests are classified by the Strategy in order to achieve relevant objectives and are grouped into one of the following three main categories;
Total Control Pests - limited distribution and density. The long-term aim is eradication.
Containment Control Pests - already well-established with the long-term aim being to prevent spread to new areas and reduce density where possible.
Surveillance Pests - monitored for their distribution, spread and impact over the life of the Strategy.
Implementation of the Strategy
The ongoing implementation of the Strategy is directed by an operational plan which provides an outline of the annual work programme and key objectives. The main management methods used by Council to implement the Strategy include;
Monitoring and surveillance, which helps determine what pests exist in Marlborough, the extent they are present and their impacts. Ongoing monitoring determines whether we are being successful in control.
Information, education and advice is provided to land occupiers, as well as to the wider community, on the best way to control pests. This is done through a variety of means including: direct contact by Council staff, community meetings, rural shows and the distribution of information sheets, etc.
Regulation and rules requiring land occupiers to carry out work to remove some plant and animal pests. The Council helps by preparing and facilitation of programmes that map out target dates and requirements for land occupiers to complete the work.
Direct control is appropriate for a small number of pests that are in low numbers and is carried out by
Council or, in some cases, the Department of Conservation. The eventual aim is to eradicate these pests from Marlborough.
Where Can I See a Copy of the Strategy?
Copies of the Strategy can be viewed in several libraries around central New Zealand, as well as at the Council's offices, or request a copy is by phoning our Customer Service Centres.
2007 Regional Pest Management Strategy (RPMS)
The Regional Pest Management Strategy and Appendices are in .pdf format. Acrobat Reader will be required to view the contents.
Regional Pest Management Strategy Operational Plans
Each year Council prepares an operational plan that identifies activities undertaken by the Council in implementing the Strategy, reports on performance targets and comments on relevant issues.
Operational Plan 2010/2011 (125 Kb)
Previous Years Operational Plan Reports
Operational Plan Report 2009/2010 (459 Kb)
Operational Plan Report 2008/09 (195 Kb)