About Biosecurity - What We Do
In Marlborough, we are faced with the ever present risk of new organisms becoming established that can impact our environment, primary industries and even the quality of life of our communities.
The management of risk and incursions into New Zealand are overseen by the Ministry for Primary Industries whereas Council's role is to oversee risks, incursions and management of threatening organisms to Marlborough. Both those in other parts of the country not wanted (eg; Wallabies) and those of serious concern already in our District (eg; Chilean Needle Grass).
Go to the Ministry for Primary Industries website
The work of the Biosecurity Team spans from the mountains to the sea. This can be the management of wilding conifers, other pest plants; feral rabbits all the way to preventing marine pest species become established.
Key document guiding biosecurity work in Marlborough
This Strategy ratified in December 2017, sets out a vision, key goals of the Biosecurity Team, operating principles, and how various aspects and players come together in the Marlborough Region.
There are numerous other components of work the Biosecurity Team deliver under the broader biosecurity programme, guided by the goals and principles in the Biosecurity Strategy. This ranges from investigating new threats, conducting or supporting a raft of research initiatives (including biological control agents for established pests) and providing advice to the community.
All of these work components are or will be outlined within the Regional Pest Management Strategy Operational Plan with progress detailed within annual reports.
Regional Pest Management Plan 2018
One of the key work programmes is to implement the Regional Pest Management Plan 2018. This tool is available to Councils under the Biosecurity Act 1993 to set out key strategic programmes for organisms that require backing regulation to manage them. These programmes must also be based on sound information, be both achievable and affordable, and also provide benefits to her region that outweigh the costs.
