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AGENDA

Technical Services Standing Committee Meeting

7 March 2018

Technical Services Standing Committee Meeting Agenda 7 March 2018

Please be advised that the Technical Services Standing Committee Meeting of the North Burnett Regional Council will be held at the

BiggendenBoardroom on:

Wednesday, 7 March 2018 commencing at

Order Of Business

1 Attendees ................................................................................................................................ 5

2 Welcome/Housekeeping ........................................................................................................ 5

3 Apologies ................................................................................................................................ 5

4 Declaration of Interest ............................................................................................................ 5

5 Infrastructure Reports ............................................................................................................ 6

5.1 TECHNICAL SERVICES REPORT - 20/01/2018 - 19/02/2018 .................................. 6

5.2 NBN Low Impact Facility Report - Monto .................................................................. 12

6 Engineering Reports ............................................................................................................ 26

6.1 Civil Section Report .................................................................................................. 26

6.2 ASSET SERVICES REPORT ................................................................................... 39

7 Environmental Reports ........................................................................................................ 42

7.1 Biosecurity Program Authorisation ........................................................................... 42

7.2 Environmental Services Monthly Report ................................................................... 81

7.3 Pound Brands ........................................................................................................... 94

8 Confidential Reports ............................................................................................................ 96

8.1 Mingo Crossing Progress Report .............................................................................. 96

9 General Business ................................................................................................................. 97

10 Closure of Meeting ............................................................................................................... 97

Ray Burton

Interim Chief Executive Officer


1 ATTENDEES

2 WELCOME/HOUSEKEEPING

3 APOLOGIES

4 DECLARATION OF INTEREST


Item 5.1

5 INFRASTRUCTURE REPORTS

5.1 TECHNICAL SERVICES REPORT - 20/01/2018 - 19/02/2018

Doc Id: 859521

Author: Katrina Cekanauskas, Administration Officer

Matthew Cook, Technical Services Manager

Beau Milne, Facilites Officer

Authoriser: Raymond Strohfeldt, Acting General Manager Works

Attachments: 1. Technical Services Report- Water Wastewater and Facilities - March 2018.docx [859635]

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

To inform Council of major activities undertaken by the Technical Services Department during the reporting period.

CORPORATE/OPERATIONAL PLAN

In accordance with the NBRC Corporate Plan 2017-2022 the following Themes are addressed in the attached report:

2.3 Housing

5.2 Asset Management

5.3 Urban Water supply and sewerage

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

All relevant NBRC Policies are adhered to where applicable.

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

All relevant Standards and Codes are applied where required.

FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS

Procurement and Purchasing Policy (Policy 104) adhered to where required.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Risk management is an integral part in the planning and delivery by the Technical Services team.

CONSULTATION

Internal consultation occurs formally at Works Management meetings and informally through briefing sessions with Councillors and Staff. Technical Services staff engage with State and Local Government agencies, other agencies and with the wider community on an ‘as needs’ basis.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Technical Services report as presented be received and the contents noted.


Item 5.1- Attachment 1

PART A - WATER AND WASTEWATER

Matthew Cook has been appointed Technical Services Manager.

Brad Thode is Acting Water and Wastewater Supervisor.

Water

No schemes were on abnormal restrictions during the reporting period.

Biggenden

9.240 ML of Water produced.

One main break and three service connection breaks were repaired during the reporting period.

Work was of routine nature during the reporting period.

Eidsvold


Five service connection breaks were repaired during the reporting period.


Gayndah


Two main breaks and ten service connection breaks were repaired during the reporting period.

Valve and Hydrant replacement works completed near Gayndah Hospital.

Water main upgrade works have started in Adelong Street.

Two water mains were connected at the corner of Meson Street and Warton Street.

Mingo Crossing


Monto


One main break and four service connection breaks were repaired during the reporting period.




Mount Perry


There were no main breaks or service connection breaks during the reporting period.


Mulgildie


There was one main break repaired during the reporting period.


Mundubbera


Two main breaks and five service connection breaks were repaired during the reporting period.


Paradise Dam




Wastewater

Biggenden

3.929 ML of Wastewater treated.


Eidsvold


Sewer reflux valve failure during recent rainfall event resulted in an ORG surcharge at the Eidsvold Bowls Club. Site cleaned up. New sewer reflux valve ordered and will be installed once received.


Gayndah



Mingo Crossing Caravan Park


Monto


High volume of Wastewater was treated during the reporting period due to the high infiltration rates caused by the rainfall event experienced during the reporting period.


Mount Perry Council Scheme


Mundubbera


One main repair was completed during the reporting period.




PART B – FACILITIES MAINTENANCE

Service Requests/Tasks:

As of 28 February 2018, there are 102 open tasks Approximately 159 have been received in this period During this period approximately 97 tasks were completed

Capital Projects Council Facilities – Lock Standardisation Year 3

Part A of the project has been completed. Part B has been put on hold until contractor fixes maintenance issues.

Biggenden Skate Park

Drinking fountains will be installed by a contractor by the end of next March A scope of works has been sent to a contractor to install tables/chairs and shelters John Fraser is project managing this project.

Region Wide Playground Upgrade

Installation of the Lions Park playground is scheduled to be completed in April.

Region Wide Manhole Spraying and Pest Control on Council Buildings and Facilities Spraying of manholes has been completed region wide. Arrangements are being finalised for spraying of Council buildings and facilities.

Eidsvold Disabled toilet upgrade

Plans have been drawn up by contractor. Scope of work to be written this month and distributed to contactors for quotations.

Monto Three Moon Museum deck

Plans have been drawn up by contractor. Scope of work to be written this month and distributed to contactors for quotations.

Monto Hall External Repaint

Scope of work to be written and sent to contractors this month for quotations.

Five Year Council Housing upgrade Monto Airport House - kitchen upgrade

Scope of work sent to contractors and quote received Work has commenced and will be completed by end of March

9 Augustus Street Mt Perry - drainage

A site visit has been completed. A scope of works to be written this month and sent to contractors

5 Pearson Street Mt Perry - Kitchen upgrade

A Site visit has been completed Would like to recommend external painting and replace down pipes as kitchen is in a

fair condition but external painting needs to be completed due to peeling. A further report to be presented to Council for consideration.



56 Alice Street Biggenden - external painting of veranda A Site visit has been completed. Scope of works to be written by John Fraser

61 Golden Spur St Eidsvold - bathroom upgrade

A Site visit has been completed. Recommendation not to spend any further money on property. Advice received we

should reduce the sale price further and sell it but we do currently have someone renting the property on a 6 month lease. A further report to be presented to Council for consideration

9 Stuart Street Monto - Kitchen and bathroom upgrade A Site visit has been completed. Scope of works to be written up and sent to contractors this month

39 Golden Spur Street Eidsvold – Air conditioning installation

Job was completed last financial year under maintenance costs. Amenities Upgrades Biggenden Lions Park Amenities Upgrade

Work has been quoted and order issued to contractor. Job will be completed by end of March


Item 5.2

5.2 NBN LOW IMPACT FACILITY REPORT - MONTO

Doc Id: 859988

Author: Katrina Cekanauskas, Administration Officer

Authoriser: Raymond Strohfeldt, Acting General Manager Works

Attachments: 1. NBN - Low Impact Facility Report Monto - 230218.pdf [859974]


Telstra have provided the attached report which provides a brief summary of the National Broadband Network (nbn) and the key nbn network facilities that will be rolled out in Monto. These works will be undertaken in accordance with the Telecommunications Act 1997. Under this Act allows carriers such as nbn to enter land and install low impact facilities without being subject to the local, state and territory laws.

The attached report does give Council the opportunity to comment on the locations of the above ground housings. Once the locations of the above ground housing have been settled, nbn will provide a formal Land Access and Activity Notice to Council.

OFFICER COMMENTS/CONCLUSION

Further investigations will be conducted by Council officers to investigate what impacts the proposed installation will have on Council infrastructure.

RECOMMENDATION

That the NBN Low Impact Facility Report for Monto be received as information.


Item 6.1

6 ENGINEERING REPORTS

6.1 CIVIL SECTION REPORT

Doc Id: 858732

Author: Mel Robinson, Works Administration Officer

Authoriser: Simon O'Brien, Civil Works Manager

Attachments: 1. 2017-18 Program.xlsx [] 2. Monthly Report - 08 - February 2018.docx [859389]


Monthly reporting for Works Department.


Theme 1: Our Productive Region

Providing the region with lobbying support, regional policy, regional infrastructure and planning and a strong regional identity that shapes a robust, diverse economy into the future.

1.2 Safe, well maintained and effective local road networks

1.3 Safe, well maintained and effective state road networks

1.4 Events

1.8 Improving transport routes for product and produce

5.2 Asset Management

Theme 3: Our United Region

Ensuring the North Burnett will be a region where everyone is made to feel part of the community. A community where everyone will love to work, live and visit.

3.2 A region for all abilities

3.5 One team

3.8 Attractive streetscapes and surrounding areas

Theme 4: Our Vibrant and Naturally Beautiful Region

Developing a sense of place where the region’s culture, aesthetics, environment, infrastructure, recreation and entertainment improve the liveability of the community.

4.1 Beautiful parks and gardens

4.3 Town streetscapes

Theme 5: Our Efficient and Effective Council

Local government is more than a provider of municipal services. It is the level of government charged with creating vibrant, diverse, supportive and sustainable communities.

5.2 Asset management

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

All relevant Policies are adhered to where applicable.



Item 6.1

All relevant Standards and Codes are applied where required.


Nil

RISK MANAGEMENT

Risk management is an integral part in the planning and delivery of infrastructure services by the Engineering Department.

CONSULTATION

Internal consultation occurs formally fortnightly at Engineering Management meetings and informally through briefing sessions with Councillors and staff.

Engineering staff engage with Government agencies, other agencies and with the wider community on an ‘as needs’ basis.

RECOMMENDATION

That the report as presented be received and the contents noted.



WORKS SUPERVISOR – MONTHLY REPORT – PERIOD ENDING 19‐02‐18

ROADS

Completed or Commenced

Maintenance

Cynthia Range Road Old Rawbell road Swindon Road Kerwee Road ‐ Slashing Wilson Vally (school bus route) Barlyne Rd ‐ patch grade Little Woodmillar Rd – grade and drain Binjour Branch Creek ‐ grade and drain Williams Rd – patch grade Myola Rd ‐patch grade Hawkwood Rd‐ patch grade Boondooma Rd ‐patch grade A Creek Rd – patch grade Mundowran Rd – grade and drain Bald Hills Norris Corner Rd – grade and drain

Gravel Resheet

Cynthia Range Road Yarrol Road Swindon Road Bania Road Wilson Valley Road Myola Berries Road Pile Gully Road Coonambula/Eidsvold Road Boondooma Road Shoulders

Capital Cannindah Road Gayndah Cemetery Road

Flood Work

Cedar Creek Road School Lane Hidden Valley Road Greenbank Road Wilson Valley Road Myola Road Little Woodmillar Road Blackhorse Creek Road

Bitumen Rehab

Kapaldo road – pavement works completed emulsion sealed awaiting for a hot bitumen seal. Wigton road – pavement works completed emulsion sealed awaiting for hot bitumen seal.

Reseal – Rural Dimmocks Road Hinds Road



Reseal – Urban

TIDs

Burnett State College – New footpath and kerb/channel completed. Pavement widening and sealing of additional school bus parking area completed. Cannindah Rd – Commenced pavement overlay.

Other

FUTURE WORKS: Planning for a month in advance:

Maintenance Boat Ramp Road Goomaram Creek

Gravel Resheet Boat Ramp Road Goomaram Road

Capital Cannindah Road

Flood Work

Yarrol Road Twin Creeks Road Cattle Creek Road Harrami Road Myola Road Greentree Road

Bitumen Rehab

Reseal – Rural

Reseal – Urban

TIDs Cannindah road – Continue with pavement construction. Swindon road – Drainage, formation widening and pavement construction.

Other

BRIDGES AND DRAINAGE


Bridges Kolonga

Floodways




Bridges Grosvenor

Floodways

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT & MAIN ROADS WORKS

(Including RMPC, Private Works, RPC etc)


RMPC

Gayndah – Mt Perry Road ‐ Slashing Gayndah – Mt Perry Road – Grade Kalpowar road – Repair road damage caused by timber trucks. Cania Road – Gravel supply to shoulder grading and shoulder grading. Commence roadside slashing on the TMR network.

Other


RMPC Monto – Mt Perry Road – Grade Roadside slashing

Other

PRIVATE WORKS



TOWN CREW


Biggenden

Town street slashing Airport mowing Routine maintenance One request for plaque and plinth be installed



One request for spraying of Meat Ant Nests One request for spraying weeds along walking track One request for Hazard Inspection Checklist be carried out Two requests setup for funerals Three requests setup for Biggenden Memorial Hall Six requests to repair/replace/deliver wheelie bins

Eidsvold

One request for spraying of weeds at RMWABLC centre One request for mowing at Eidsvold Football Grounds One request for tables to be delivered to private function One request for power to be turned on at Apex Park One request for mowing and spraying at Eidsvold Waste Water and Sewerage Plant One request for mowing at Eidsvold RSL Hall One request to remove rubbish from NBRC Library One request for funeral internment One request for Hazard Inspection Checklist be carried out Seven requests for repair/replace/deliver wheelie bins

Gayndah

One request for trees to be trimmed to assist in visibility issues One request for timber Gayndah Sign be fixed One request for two posts be placed along Oxford street to prevent motorists driving down over the grassed open space. One request for removal of Oleander Tree One request for slashing of Gayndah Stock route for upcoming event. One request for mowing to be done at beside 7Station Street. One request for Hazard Inspection Checklist be carried out One request for removal of wasp nests at the McConnell Lookout One request for maintenance at Gayndah Sports Grounds. One request for staff to be respectful of graves at Gayndah Cemetery and remove grass clippings and dirt from graves after mowing. Two requests for removal of damaged tree’s due to recent storms. Ten requests to repair/replace/deliver wheelie bins

Monto

One request for ‘No Smoking Signs’ be placed in front of business’ along Newton Street, Monto One request for mowing and maintenance to be done in Archer Street One request for Council to remove planter boxes from Newton Street One request for toilet door at Memorial Park Monto be fixed One request for sports field mowers be fixed due to unsafe condition One request for delivery of bins for local event One request for funeral internment One request for cracked horizontal concrete plinth at Monto Lawn Cemetery One request for nature strip in Monto be filled due to wheel tracks One request for Lister Street gardens be weeded and maintained One request for graves be filled due to sinking One request for Hazard Inspection Checklist be carried out Two requests for staff to assist with the Monto Landfill ‐ 8weeks. Three requests for removal of damaged trees and storm debris

Mount Perry One request for repair/replace/deliver wheelie bins One request for weed spraying in William Street



One request for tree limbs be removed from over a fence line One request for Hazard Inspection Checklist be carried out One request for Leopard Tank Sign be cleaned / replaced

Mundubbera

One request for plaque removal from Mundubbera Cemetery Columbarium One request for oiling of exercise equipment at Bicentennial Park One request for Hazard Inspection Checklist be carried out Three requests for funeral internments Three requests for mowing requests for council houses Thirteen requests to repair/replace/deliver wheelie bins

Community Event Assistance

Eidsvold – assistance with delivery of wheelie bins to the Eidsvold Race Course for the event on 17th February 2018. Gayndah – assistance with levelling Gayndah Sports Ground, mowing and whipper snipping and delivery of bins for the Gayndah Little Athletics held on 10th and 11th February 2018. Monto – assistance from Council (Mark Pitt) has permitted an unused mower in Monto Depot be utilized to mow the Monto Sportsground while Sports field mowers are being fixed. Mundubbera – assistance with delivery of wheelie bins, mowing, cleaning or toilets and general tidy up of Mundubbera Archer Park Sports field for 7‐a‐side cricket carnival on 3rd and 4th February 2018.


Town

Community Event Assistance

Eidsvold – assistance with delivery of additional wheelie bins to Eidsvold Station for Eidsvold Charity Cattle Drive on Friday 13th April. Eidsvold – assistance with delivery of additional wheelie bins to Eidsvold Showgrounds for the Cattle Drive Finale and NRA Bull Ride on Saturday 14th April. Monto – assistance with delivery of additional wheelie bins to Monto Tennis Association Courts for upcoming event on 3rd March 2018. Monto – assistance with delivery of wheelie bins to the Monto Race Track for upcoming event in April. Mundubbera ‐ assistance with delivery of wheelie bins, mowing, cleaning of toilets and general tidy up of Mundubbera Archer Park Sports field for upcoming event on 17th March 2018.

GRAVEL PITS


Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) Permit Inspections

Pit: Result:

Garden Grove Pit, Baskervilles Road Compliance achieved

Dump Pit, Langs Road

Inspection report received. Matters of Concern noted: ‐ Material only used on road or



rail infrastructure as dwelling located under 1000m to the north east.

‐ Dwelling under 1000m from the site, written agreement required from resident or landholder.

‐ Sediment dam required if extraction continues over 5000 tonnes.

Works team is progressing actions and assessment of the future use of the site.

Commenced process to remove unused sites from Council’s Environmental Authority. Sites are closed due to quality and availability of material.

Remediation Works

White Hill Pit, Monto‐Mount Perry Road. (Pit subject to EHP warning). Remediation works completed. Daisy’s Pit, Gospel Hall Road. (Pit subject to EHP warning). Remediation works completed. Revegetation trial planning commenced. Allen’s Pit, Remediation works ‐ stage one completed. Planning next phase of works at the site.

5

3

1

2

Compliant

Remediationrequired

Waiting onInspectionOutcome

Compliant‐Surrender permit



Gravel Pit Site Assessment’s completed

Site visit

Mapped

Compliance assessment

Current usage reviewed

Water Sources

Extraction points for road maintenance and construction

123 water sources mapped

Gravel Pit Testing Material of 34 gravel pits tested to date

Presentation of gravel pit results to date at works meeting

Other Site meeting and presentation received from Mines Inspector,

Department of Natural Resource and Mines in January 2018 on Council quarry management models and safety.

Program Budget


Continue verification of pit location and details, including site assessments in Mundubbera area.

Testing of material from further gravel pit sites.

Continue compliance review of sites.

Drafting of Gravel Management Plan.

171

275

236

Unverified pits Location verified Location verified and site assessment completed


Item 6.2

6.2 ASSET SERVICES REPORT

Doc Id: 859651

Author: Cameron Brauer, Technical Officer

Authoriser: Trevor Harvey, General Manager of Strategy, Innovation and Assets

Attachments: Nil


Asset Services report provides an update on the activities undertaken for the current reporting period – 20/01/2018 to 19/02/2018


Works Planning

A program review was carried out to prioritise school bus route maintenance and ensure budget compliance

Recover/NDRRA

Implementation and training was completed with Council staff to improve data flow and accuracy of records/photos

GIS

Finalisation of the Drinking Water Quality Management Plan Scheme Maps

Extracted Water Meter readings data from rates to develop electronic water meter reading

Updated and extracted gates and grids data to commence verification of ownership project

Amendments to chainage data in Intramaps, Reflect and Recover

Updated Survey Plan link in Intramaps

Processed DCDB

Two Way Repeaters/Communication – Digital Radio Rollout

Disaster Communication Enhancement Initiative – Digital Radio Rollout

Installation of network equipment was completed at the Mundubbera Engineering Office, AC Rock and Mt Debatable.

TV Towers

Purchase of the loan units that are installed at Cania View Tower

Repairs to existing power supply units that have failed

Further outages and signal loss have been reported with faults and damage after recent storms.

STRA are scheduled to be on site during the week of 19th March to complete the following:

o Lower receive antennas at Cania View and Bukali to reduce interference

o Install decoders for ABC & SBS to restore services


Item 6.2

Rural Addressing

Report to Council completed for Lawson Valley Rd

Review of current documentation and formatting completed

General rural addressing tasks completed

Staff induction, Policy and Australian Standard familiarisation and training

RMPC

Reseal preparation works are completed with reseals complete in the region

Gravel resheeting on Kalpowar Road was completed

Cania Dam shoulder grading was completed

Maintenance grading is currently being completed on Gayndah Mount Perry Road

Routine Maintenance activities are being monitored and completed as required

Inspections completed

Submitted contract variation to DTMR for current financial year

Completed JMRA Inspection with DTMR Inspector

DBYD

22 DBYD responses have been completed since the last reporting period.

Plant Procurement

Deliveries

o 1 x John Deere 670GP Grader

o 1 x Western Star Prime Mover

o 1 x Isuzu D-Max Utility

o 5 x Ford Ranger Utilities

o 1 x Suburu Forester

Orders

o 1 x John Deere 670GP Grader

o 1 x SES Dual Cab Utility

o 2 x John Deere Loaders

o 1 x Rhino Quad Float

o 1 x Toyota Kluger

Tenders/Quotations

o NIL

Sales/Disposals

o NIL


Item 6.2

Other

Attended the NHVR Portal Demonstration Attended the Burnett Catchment Flood Resilience Workshop (Bundaberg) Registered NBRC to RAVRAT (training videos reviewed) Implemented the RMPC defect model into the NBRC Local roads database Reviewed treatments/activities for the NBRC Local roads database Update to the 15 year Plant Replacement program and 5 Year plan for Budget Plant utilisation report for current financial year Online Fraud Training


Conclusion - Council resolve to receive this information report with contents noted.


Item 7.1

7 ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS

7.1 BIOSECURITY PROGRAM AUTHORISATION

Doc Id: 858871

Author: Jeff Miles, Environmental Services Manager


Attachments: 1. Biosecurity Prevention and Control Program Procedure.doc [797227]

2. Biosecurity Programs Authorisation Procedure.doc [771470] 3. Biosecurity Programs Property Inspection Policy.doc [756397] 4. Biosecurity Surveillance Program Procedure.doc [756468]


In February 2017, Council resolved that the Biosecurity Programs Authorisation Report be adopted and that Council formally authorise Council’s Biosecurity Programs, including the Biosecurity (Property Inspections) Program Policy and associated Procedures (054-02-2017).

Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, a local government must have a biosecurity plan that includes objectives, strategies and monitoring (s.53). To assist the objectives of the Act, Council is required to undertake biosecurity programs. A biosecurity program is either a “surveillance program” or “a prevention and control program” (s.232). Amongst other things, a program authorisation must state when a program starts and the period that it is to be carried out (s.236).

Council is still is in the development of a Biosecurity Plan following the completion of the WBBROC strategy. It is expected that Council’s Biosecurity Plan will be completed before September 2018.

Council’s current Biosecurity Programs were approved to operate for a period of three (3) years unless amended by Council resolution.

An annual review of the policy and procedures has been completed. Following Council’s organisational restructure, it is timely to amend the policy and procedures to reflect those changes and to correct minor formatting errors.


The review satisfies the Corporate Plan as follows:

5.14 Biosecurity management

5.14.1 Biosecurity Plan

5.14.2 Maintain and control feral animals and weeds.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

The draft policy endorsed by Council in 2017 for whatever reason had not been updated in the Policy Register. This anomaly will be corrected.


The Biosecurity Program satisfies the requirements of the Biosecurity Act 2014.


The Biosecurity Program results in human resource and financial commitments to achieve the objectives if the Biosecurity Act 2014.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Any implementation of legislation results in numerous risks including, safety, financial, legal and reputation risks.


Item 7.1

CONSULTATION

This review was triggered by Council’s Natural Resources Stream following communications with other local governments and their experiences in implementing the Act.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council

1. Receive the Biosecurity Program Authorisation report; and

2. Reindorse the Biosecurity Program authorised by Council in February 2017; and

3. Adopt amendments to Council’s Biosecurity Programs, including the Biosecurity (Property Inspections) Program Policy and associated Procedures.



Procedure Title: Biosecurity (Property Inspections) Program Procedure – Prevention and Control Program

Policy No: Policy Subject: Biosecurity (Property Inspections) Program Procedure Department: Strategy, Innovation and Assets Responsible Officer: Chief Executive Officer Authorised by: North Burnett Regional Council Adopted Date: General Meeting – xxxx 2018 Review Date: Authorities: Biosecurity Act 2014

OBJECTIVE: To implement the Biosecurity (Property Inspections) Program Policy and help ensure biosecurity matter and risks are appropriately managed on land where an individual/organisation is responsible for that land. INTRODUCTION: Each land owner/lessee has a general biosecurity obligation under the Biosecurity Act 2014 (the Act) to:

prevent the introduction, spread and proliferation of invasive plants and animals;

eradicate/manage these pests on the land that they own/manage and

abide by the priorities and requirements of the local authority’s (NBRC’s) Biosecurity Plan (when developed).

PROCEDURE:

1.) In order to ensure NBRC’s compliance with the Act, NBRC will operate a Biosecurity (Property Inspection) Program, which under sections 232 to 234 of the Act could be: (a) a surveillance program and/or

CustomerServiceProcedure



(b) a prevention and control program This procedure applies to NBRC’s Prevention and Control Program

2.) NBRC’s surveillance program will involve inspections of properties selected through a range of mechanisms including:

a. Random selection within a scheduled inspection/surveillance program. b. Requested by the land owner or occupier as part of NBRC providing

constructive guidance/support to persons within the region. c. Reported by persons within the region concerned about potential

biosecurity issues within the region and/or the effectiveness of other land owners/lessees in managing their general biosecurity obligations and compliance with NBRC’s Pest Management/Biosecurity Plan.

d. Targeted by NBRC’s authorised persons as part of follow up surveillance monitoring for properties previously identified as having/reasonably suspected of having invasive species.

Please refer to Doc ID: 756468 for NBRC’s surveillance program procedure.

3.) NBRC’s prevention and control program will involve property inspections and as required remedial actions where either;

o land owners/lessees have been ineffective in carrying out their general biosecurity obligations and/or maintaining compliance with NBRC’s Biosecurity Plan (when developed) and other legal mechanisms through either the Surveillance Program or issued Biosecurity Orders have failed.

o Council decides it is in the greater communities/regions best interests to carry out such works.

o The nature of the risk presented by the biosecurity matter is such that Council is not prepared to wait for or risk an inadequate response from the land owners/lessees.

o The response covers multiple properties and is part of a project/program either funded or directed by either Council or a State Government Authority.

This program applies only to properties that have biosecurity matter;

o known to exist, o reasonably suspected to exist, or

o considered by Council/State Authorities to be a high risk of dispersing, transmitting or otherwise receiving such matter.

4.) NBRC will attempt to engage with land owners/lessees in a constructive

manner and provide both opportunity and guidance for the responsible person/s to address the invasive species issue(s). Where the responsible person’s response has been inadequate and/or ineffective, NBRC will seek to resolve the matter via:

o Correspondence between NBRC and the responsible person/s;

o Fines, fees and charges;



o Issuing of Biosecurity Orders;

o Completion of works/action required under any issued Biosecurity Order/s but not complied with by the applicable land owner/occupier within a stated or reasonable time frame, with all costs (including interest) chargeable to the responsible person/s as prescribed through legislation, and/or registered as a charge over land for any unpaid amounts;

o Prosecution; and/or

o Implementation of NBRC’s Prevention and Control Program.

5.) NBRC authorised persons will preferentially attempt to enter identified properties with permission (and if possible participation) from the land owner/ lessee, but may enter the property (without a warrant) with:

o due efforts to contact/gain permission from the land owner/lessee, o appropriate property inspection lead times,

o display of required identification, and o required advertising/publishing of the Biosecurity (Property Inspection)

Program.

6.) All vehicles brought to site and used as part of property inspections/surveillance programs shall be cleaned down for weed hygiene both prior to arrival and upon departure from a property. Otherwise should the land owner/lessee be participating and be prepared to use their own vehicle/s, then the inspection/surveillance can be conducted in the land owner/lessee’s vehicle or on foot.

7.) Authorised persons (LPO’s) operating in compliance with their legislated legal authority, NBRC’s Biosecurity Plan (when developed) and this procedure shall have the power to instruct others and carry out activities within the North Burnett region in line with their authority. This includes the ability to issue Biosecurity Orders under the Biosecurity Act 2014.

8.) Authorised person’s (LPO’s) and other NBRC personnel interacting in a professional capacity with members of the North Burnett region community shall document and record any instruction, correspondence and observations made whilst carrying out their duties.

9.) All non‐trivial and non‐routine instruction, correspondence, observations and activities encountered whilst on duty shall be brought to the prompt attention of the applicable person’s supervisor.

10.) More significant directives or biosecurity orders (e.g. greater than $2,000 or equivalent time/effort) shall wherever possible be channelled through and authorised by North Burnett Regional Council Senior Leadership and/or CEO prior to being issued to the applicable land owner/occupier.



11.) All persons operating under this procedure shall comply with all legal instructions provided by their NBRC supervisor.

12.) Should any identified/suspected Biosecurity Matter relate to something that is “Prohibited Matter”, it will be immediately referred to Biosecurity Queensland for the required response. Biosecurity Order’s may be issued at any stage deemed appropriate by an authorised person and NBRC in order to adequately manage biosecurity matter and the risks that they pose. However generally the issuing of Biosecurity Order’s will only be done in line with the 5 stage response listed within the Surveillance Program procedure (Doc ID: 756 468) unless the actual, or potential perceived biosecurity risks involve;

o prohibited matter and/or

o matter that has an unacceptable risk of rapidly propagating and spreading to other areas in time frames shorter than that typically experienced/expected using the normal process.

13.) For areas with established populations of invasive species, the sequence of management priority is as follows:

a. Containment – Prevent the invasive species from spreading to other locations.

b. Control – Prevent the invasive species from further population increase within the existing infestation area.

c. Elimination/Eradication – Eliminate the invasive species population from the infested area.

The management objective of responses to invasive species that are wide spread/well established in an area is to contain and control the infestation with efforts to minimise impacts upon land productivity and the environment. However, a high priority/urgent response is required where populations of an invasive species are

a. not well established (insufficient time to propagate), b. generally low across the area, or c. previously not detected/known to exist in the area.

The management objective of responses to invasive species in low/no previous infestation areas is eradication.

LEGISLATIVE PRINCIPLES:

1.) In order to be able to apply and enforce NBRC’s Biosecurity (Property Inspection) Program, NBRC is required to authorise the biosecurity program by resolution under s232 of the Act, as either a surveillance program and/or a prevention and control program.



2.) A “surveillance program” (as defined under s233 of the Act) is a program directed at any of the following—

(a)monitoring compliance with this Act in relation to a particular matter to which this Act applies; (b) confirming the presence, or finding out the extent of the presence, in the State or the parts of the State to which the program applies, of the biosecurity matter to which the program relates; (c) confirming the absence, in the State or the parts of the State to which the program applies, of the biosecurity matter to which the program relates; (d) monitoring the effects of measures taken in response to a biosecurity risk; (e) monitoring compliance with requirements about prohibited matter or restricted matter; (f) monitoring levels of biosecurity matter or levels of biosecurity matter in a carrier.

3.) A “prevention and control program” (as defined under s234 of the Act) is a

program directed at any of the following— (a) preventing the entry, establishment or spread of biosecurity matter in an area that poses a significant biosecurity risk; (b) managing, reducing or eradicating any biosecurity matter in an area that

could pose a significant biosecurity risk.

4.) Any NBRC biosecurity program must be authorised in writing by resolution of the local government (s235 of the Act). However, a program authorisation for a prevention and control program may be made only if each relevant person for the program authorisation is satisfied— (a) there is, or is likely to be, prohibited matter in an area; or (b) there is in an area any biosecurity matter that poses or is likely to pose a significant biosecurity risk; or (c) measures are required to prevent the entry or establishment in an area of biosecurity matter that poses or is likely to pose a significant biosecurity risk; or (d) after consultation with an industry group or community, that measures carried out jointly with the interested entity are required to control biosecurity matter in an area that would have a significant effect on members of the interested entity.

Each relevant person for a program authorisation must ensure that each authorised officer who is proposed by the relevant person to act under a biosecurity program is informed of the contents of the program authorisation for the program.

Unless a formal arrangement/mechanism exists between NBRC and a neighbouring/adjoining authority, invasive species must only be managed under the biosecurity program and this procedure if they occur within the NBRC region. NBRC may however engage with neighbouring/adjoining



authorities in the development of its Biosecurity Plan for due consideration of cross region pest management priorities.

5.) Under s239 of the Act NBRC must consult with the Chief Executive of the

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries before authorising a biosecurity program.

6.) Under s236 of the Act NBRC’s authorisation of its biosecurity program must

state each of the following— (a) the biosecurity matter to which the program relates; (b) the purpose of the program; (c) when the program starts; (d) the period over which the program is to be carried out; (e) for a biosecurity program that is a surveillance program—

(i) if the program is directed at monitoring compliance with this Act— (A) objective criteria for selecting places to be entered and inspected; and (B) a description of the area in which the places are situated; or

(ii) if the program is directed at deciding the presence or extent of the spread of biosecurity matter—

(A) the parts of the State to which it applies; and (B) if the program applies only to a particular type of place in the

State or a part of the State—a description of the type; (f) for a biosecurity program that is a prevention and control program—

(i) the nature and extent of the program, including— (A) the parts of the State to which it applies; and (B) if the program applies only to a particular type of place in the State or a part of the State—a description of the type; and

(ii) if a particular type of place is to be entered and inspected—a description of the type;

(g) the powers an authorised officer may exercise under the program, including the extent to which an authorised officer is to act under the program and the measures an authorised officer may take under the program; (h) the extent to which authorised persons may be directed to act under the program; (i) the obligations that may be imposed upon a person who is an occupier of a place to which the program applies.

The period over which a biosecurity program is to be carried out must be limited to the period reasonably necessary for achieving the program’s purpose.

7.) Under s237 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 an authorised officer may do the

following, at any reasonable time and at a place situated in an area to which a prevention and control program applies—



(a) direct an occupier of the place to take reasonable steps within a reasonable period to remove or eradicate the biosecurity matter to which the program relates; (b) destroy the biosecurity matter to which the program relates, or a carrier of the biosecurity matter, if the authorised officer believes on reasonable grounds the biosecurity matter or carrier poses a significant biosecurity risk.

Despite subsection (a), the steps an occupier may be directed to take must be limited to those reasonably necessary for achieving the program’s purpose.

When giving a direction under subsection (1)(a), the authorised person must give the occupier an offence warning for the direction.

8.) Under s373 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 if an authorised officer reasonably believes that a person has failed, or may fail, to discharge the person’s general biosecurity obligation at a place, the authorised person may given the person (the recipient) an order (a Biosecurity Order) The authorised officer may give the person the biosecurity order regardless of the circumstances in which the authorised officer forms the belief. A biosecurity order must be directed at ensuring the recipient discharges his or her general biosecurity obligation at the place, and may in particular be directed at ensuring the recipient discharges the general biosecurity obligation for particular biosecurity matter. The biosecurity order may state that an authorised officer proposes, at a stated time or at stated intervals, to enter any of the following where biosecurity matter or a carrier (the subject of the order) is kept to check compliance with the order – (a) The place; (b) A vehicle of which the recipient is the person in control; (c) Another place of which the recipient is the occupier. The biosecurity order may state how the recipient may show that the stated action has been taken.

9.) Under s374 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 a biosecurity order must include the following; (a) The name and address of the recipient, or any other identifying information

about the recipient that the authorised officer can reasonably obtain; (b) If the authorised officer reasonably believes the recipient has failed to

discharge the recipient’s general biosecurity obligation – the way in which the recipient has failed to discharge the recipient’s general biosecurity obligation;

(c) The place where the recipient failed, or may fail, to discharge the recipient’s general biosecurity obligation;



(d) The action the recipient must take a the place to prevent or reduce the biosecurity risk arising from the recipient’s failure, or possible failure, to discharge the recipient’s general biosecurity obligation;

(e) The period within which the action must be taken; (f) The action, if any, the recipient must take to show the recipient is

complying with the biosecurity order and the period within which the action must be taken;

(g) The name of the authorised officer; (h) The name, address and contact details of the issuing authority for the

biosecurity order; (i) That it is an offence for the recipient not to comply with the order unless

the recipient has a reasonable excuse. The period stated under subsection (e) must be reasonable having regard to the biosecurity risk arising from the recipients failure, or possible failure, to discharge his or her general biosecurity obligation. The biosecurity order must also set out, or state the effect of, section 262 and 263.

10.) Under s380 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 the issuing authority for a biosecurity

order may recover the amount that the issuing authority properly and reasonably incurs in taking steps under section 263 (Power to enter place to take steps if biosecurity order not complied with) as a debt payable by the person who failed to take the action to the issuing authority. For the purposes of recovery, this debt can be taken to be rates owing to the local government.

11.) Under s381 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 should the amount payable to a local

government (including any interest on the amount) through a person’s/organisation’s failure to comply with an lawful biosecurity order issued by the local government and subsequent works/actions carried out by/on behalf of the local government in executing/completing the issued biosecurity order, then any unpaid amount is a charge on the land. After the charge is registered over the land (with the register of titles), the charge has priority over all other encumbants over the land other than – (a.) Emcumbrances in favour of the State or a government entity; and (b.) Rates payable to the local government.

12.) Under s240 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 at least 14 days before a biosecurity

program starts, NBRC’s chief executive officer must give notice of the program— (a) to each department or government owned corporation responsible for land

in the area to which the biosecurity program relates, including by electronic means; and

(b) be published on NBRC’s website



The notice also may be published in another way the person giving the notice considers appropriate, including, for example, by radio or television in the area to which the biosecurity program applies. However, failure to give the notice to an entity, or to publish the notice, does not affect the validity of the biosecurity program.

The notice must state each of the following—

(a) the purpose and scope of the biosecurity program; (b) when the biosecurity program starts; (c) the period over which the biosecurity program is to be carried out; (d) NBRC’s name/logo (e) that copies of the biosecurity program are available for inspection or purchase at the offices, if any, in the area to which the program applies until the end of the program; and (f) the price of a copy of the biosecurity program;

The price of a copy of the authorised biosecurity program must be no more than the cost of having the copy available for purchase, and (if the copy is posted to the purchaser), the postage cost.

DEFINITIONS: Authorised Person: A person whom has been appointed (in writing) by NBRC’s Chief Executive Officer to perform functions under the Act within the region and is still engaged in this capacity. The functions and responsibilities of an authorised person under the legislation (s256 of the Act) include:

a.) To investigate, monitor and enforce compliance with the Act; b.) To investigate or monitor whether an occasion has arisen for the

exercise of powers under the Act; c.) To facilitate the exercise of powers under the Act; and d.) To help achieve the purposes of the Act by providing advice and

information on how the purposes may be achieved. Constructively: An effort to provide understanding and guidance in a positive manner that promotes and provides the land owner/lessee with a reasonable opportunity to correct any deficiencies or non‐conformances. Biosecurity Plan: A legally required plan that a local government must have for the management of pests (invasive species) for its local government area. (s53 of the Act) The plan may include provision for each of the following— (a) achievable objectives under the plan; (b) strategies, activities and responsibilities for achieving the objectives; (c) strategies to inform the local community about the content of the plan and achievement of its objectives; (d) monitoring implementation of the plan and evaluating its effectiveness;



(e) other matters the local government considers appropriate for management of invasive biosecurity matter for its local government area. Prohibited Matter: Biosecurity matter that, for the time being, is established as prohibited matter under chapter 2 and/or schedule 1 of the Act. Generally, biosecurity matter satisfies the prohibited matter criteria if –

a.) the biosecurity matter is not currently present or known to be present in the State; and

b.) there are reasonable grounds to believe that if it did enter the State or part of the State the biosecurity matter may have a significant adverse effect on a biosecurity consideration (s20 of the Act).

Reasonable: Something a person knows/ought to know or have completed given their position, experience, activities, resources and responsibilities. It is a reasonable expectation that a land owner/lessee should be aware of appropriate land management techniques and responsibilities, including the need to manage legislated or other declared pests. Responsibility: A legal and moral obligation of a person whom either owns or manages land, or has some involvement/awareness of pests (biosecurity matter). The person has an obligation (a general biosecurity obligation) to take all reasonable and practical measures to prevent or minimise the biosecurity risk. Also, the person has an obligation (also a general biosecurity obligation)—

(a) to prevent or minimise adverse effects on a biosecurity consideration of

the person’s dealing with the biosecurity matter or carrier or carrying out the activity; and (b) to minimise the likelihood of causing a biosecurity event, or to limit the consequences of a biosecurity event caused, by dealing with the biosecurity matter or carrier or carrying out the activity; and

(c) not to do or omit to do something if the person knows or ought reasonably to know that doing or omitting to do the thing may exacerbate the adverse effects, or potential adverse effects, of the biosecurity matter, carrier or activity on a biosecurity consideration (s23 of the Act).



Procedure Title: Biosecurity Programs Authorisation Procedure

Policy No: Policy Subject: Biosecurity Programs Authorisation Department: Strategy, Innovation and Assets Responsible Officer: Chief Executive Officer Authorised by: North Burnett Regional Council Adopted Date: General Meeting – xxxx 2018 Review Date: Authorities: Biosecurity Act 2014

OBJECTIVE: To authorise the Biosecurity (Property Inspections) Programs as required under s236 of the Biosecurity Act (2014). PURPOSE: Council’s role in the management of pests and biosecurity risks in the North Burnett region is to:

Support the community and

Enforce responsibilities in relation to compliance with legislation and Council’s Biosecurity Plan and associated programs.

The purpose of authorising and implementing NBRC’s Biosecurity (Property Inspection) Programs is to ensure Biosecurity Risks are adequately managed across the North Burnett. The programs intend to engage with the community in a transparent, fair and equitable manner, whereby awareness, education, and the opportunity to self manage biosecurity risks are afforded to responsible persons whom are land owner/occupiers. Should individuals demonstrate an inability to effectively manage their biosecurity risks within an appropriate time frame in line with legislative requirements and NBRC’s

GeneralProcedure



Biosecurity Plan/Programs, NBRC will be able take effective actions to manage the biosecurity risks for the greater good of the community, region and state. INTRODUCTION: Each land owner/lessee has a general biosecurity obligation under the Biosecurity Act 2014 (the Act) to:




In order to ensure NBRC’s compliance with the Act, NBRC will operate Biosecurity (Property Inspection) Programs, which under sections 232 to 234 of the Act could be:

(a) a surveillance program and/or (b) a prevention and control program

NBRC shall simultaneously operate (where appropriate) both a surveillance program and/or prevention and control program. The operation of these Biosecurity Programs shall occur as defined within NBRC’s Biosecurity Programs Property Inspection Policy and Procedures (Doc ID’s: 756397, 756468 & 797227) Generally, the “Surveillance Program” shall be utilised when:

properties are randomly selected, or

where either the land owner/occupier has requested inspection and/or guidance/support, or

where a member of the public has reported suspected biosecurity risks that were either previously unknown to NBRC or not being appropriately managed by the applicable land owner/occupier, or

where biosecurity matter/risks are reasonably suspected/known to exist at a property by NBRC due to prior/historical dealings and/or inspections.

The “Surveillance Program” is primarily directed towards constructively engaging with land owners/occupiers and identifying the presence and/or extent of the spread for Biosecurity matter and risks. This engagement process will also provide the opportunity for applicable land owner/occupiers to self manage biosecurity matter and risks in line with legislative requirements and NBRC’s biosecurity plan/programs. Enforcement of legal requirements shall also be conducted as far as reasonably practical under this program, including the issuing of Biosecurity Order/s and (if need be) completion of works/steps and recovery of costs (including interest payable) should an issued Biosecurity Order not be complied with by the land owner/occupier. The “Prevention and Control Program” shall be utilised when:

Biosecurity Risks have been previously identified/confirmed by NBRC,



The applicable land owner/occupier has been provided an appropriate opportunity to respond to these Biosecurity Risks,

The applicable land owner/occupier has failed to appropriately manage these Biosecurity Risks within an acceptable period of time,

Legal mechanisms available within the “Surveillance Program” have failed to achieve a satisfactory biosecurity risk management outcome, and

Council has decided to carry out the works/actions in the interests of managing biosecurity risks for the greater good of the community, region and state.

The “Prevention and Control Program” is primarily directed towards ensuring effective action/s to manage biosecurity risks are undertaken when other mechanisms available through the “Surveillance Program” have failed. These measures will ensure NBRC has the capability to adequately manage/enforce compliance with legislative requirements and NBRC’s Biosecurity Plan/Programs. The focus of the “Prevention and Control Program” will be on managing biosecurity risks for the greater good of the community, region and state, whereby the responsible owner/occupier has failed to appropriately manage these risks within an acceptable period of time when other mechanisms available have failed. PROCEDURE:

1.) NBRC’s surveillance program will involve inspections of properties for “Restricted Biosecurity Matter” pests known to occur within the North Burnett Region. These pests shall include;

a. Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) b. Giant Rats Tail (GRT) (S. pyramidalis and S. natalensis) c. Rubber Vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora) d. Mother of Millions (Bryophyllum delagoense and Bryophyllum

houghtonii) e. Prickly Acacia (Vachellia nilotica) f. Parkinsonia (Parkinsonia aculeate) g. Cats Claw Creeper (Macfadyena unguis-cati) h. Groundsel (Baccharis halimifolia) i. Honey Locust (Gleditsia tricanthos) j. Green Cestrum (Cestrum parqui) k. Galvanised Burr (Sclerolaena birchii) l. Lantana (Lantana camara) m. Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) – Where not effectively being

managed for livestock grazing as per the code of practice n. Mesquite (Prosopis spp.) o. Chinee Apple (Ziziphus mauritiana) p. Grader Grass (Themeda quadrivalvis) q. Hudson Pear (Cylindropuntia rosea) a. Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) b. Hymenachne (Hymenachne amplexicaulis) c. Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) d. Salvinia (Salvinia molesta)



e. Dingo (Canis familiaris dingo) f. Wild Dog (Canis familiaris) g. European Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) h. Feral Pig (Sus scrofa) i. Feral Goat (Capra hircus) j. Feral Horse (Equus caballus) k. Feral Cattle (Bos Taurus) l. Feral Cat (Felis catus) m. Feral Fallow Deer (Dama dama) n. Feral Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) o. Feral Chital or Axis Deer (Axis axis) p. Feral Rusa Deer (Cervus timorensis or Rusa timorensis) q. Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) r. Other Biosecurity Risks (as specifically identified by 3rd party reports

including Biosecurity Queensland, land owner/occupiers and members of the public)

2.) NBRC shall simultaneously operate (where appropriate) both a surveillance program and/or prevention and control program. The operation of these Biosecurity Programs shall occur as prescribed within NBRC’s Biosecurity Programs Property Inspection Policy & Procedures (Doc ID’s: 756397, 756468 & 797227)

3.) The duration of the Biosecurity Programs shall be from the date of

authorisation for a period of 3 years, unless otherwise amended by Council resolution.

4.) The authorised Biosecurity Programs shall take effect 14 days after the publishing of the Biosecurity Programs on NBRC’s website.

5.) The Biosecurity Programs shall apply to all private and publically owned land, (including that leased from any entity) within the North Burnett Region as defined through Council Boundaries.

6.) The Biosecurity Programs shall be advertised within the North Burnett Regional Council Website, but may also at Council’s discretion be advertised in other locations including local newspapers and/or notice boards.

7.) North Burnett Regional Council “Authorised Persons” working under the Biosecurity Act (2014) in the North Burnett region shall have all powers issued to them under the legislation on the basis of compliance with legislative requirements and prescribed policy/procedures (Doc ID’s 756397, 756468 & 797227).

8.) Directives issued by Authorised Persons for compliance with the Biosecurity Act (2014) and/or NBRC Biosecurity Plans/Programs shall be commensurate with a response that would reasonably expect to achieve compliance with the Act and/or Biosecurity Plans/Programs within a suitable time frame. These



directives must be free of bias, whereby the same/similar directive would be issued to any other person facing the same/similar biosecurity risks in that area/circumstance. (Note: “circumstance” does NOT include consideration for an individual’s financial circumstances).

9.) All non‐trivial and non‐routine instruction, correspondence, observations and activities encountered whilst on duty by Authorised Persons shall be brought to the prompt attention of the applicable person’s supervisor.


11.) All persons operating under this procedure shall comply with all legal

instructions provided by their NBRC supervisor. 12.) All persons within the North Burnett Region who have a General Biosecurity

Obligation (GBO) under the Biosecurity Act (2014) shall be required to comply with the Act, NBRC’s Biosecurity Plan/Programs and lawful directives issued by Authorised Persons.



2.) A “surveillance program” (as defined under s233 of the Act) is a program

directed at any of the following—



program directed at any of the following— (a) preventing the entry, establishment or spread of biosecurity matter in an area that poses a significant biosecurity risk;



(b) managing, reducing or eradicating any biosecurity matter in an area that could pose a significant biosecurity risk.

4.) Any NBRC biosecurity program must be authorised in writing by resolution of

the local government (s235 of the Act). However, a program authorisation for a prevention and control program may be made only if each relevant person for the program authorisation is satisfied— (a) there is, or is likely to be, prohibited matter in an area; or (b) there is in an area any biosecurity matter that poses or is likely to pose a significant biosecurity risk; or (c) measures are required to prevent the entry or establishment in an area of biosecurity matter that poses or is likely to pose a significant biosecurity risk; or (d) after consultation with an industry group or community, that measures carried out jointly with the interested entity are required to control biosecurity matter in an area that would have a significant effect on members of the interested entity.


Unless a formal arrangement/mechanism exists between NBRC and a neighbouring/adjoining authority, invasive species must only be managed under the biosecurity program and this procedure if they occur within the NBRC region. NBRC may however engage with neighbouring/adjoining authorities in the development of its Biosecurity Plan for due consideration of cross region pest management priorities.
















following, at any reasonable time and at a place situated in an area to which a prevention and control program applies— (a) direct an occupier of the place to take reasonable steps within a reasonable period to remove or eradicate the biosecurity matter to which the program relates; (b) destroy the biosecurity matter to which the program relates, or a carrier of the biosecurity matter, if the authorised officer believes on reasonable grounds the biosecurity matter or carrier poses a significant biosecurity risk.



8.) Under s373 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 if an authorised officer reasonably

believes that a person has failed, or may fail, to discharge the person’s general biosecurity obligation at a place, the authorised person may given the person (the recipient) an order (a Biosecurity Order) The authorised officer may give the person the biosecurity order regardless of the circumstances in which the authorised officer forms the belief.



A biosecurity order must be directed at ensuring the recipient discharges his or her general biosecurity obligation at the place, and may in particular be directed at ensuring the recipient discharges the general biosecurity obligation for particular biosecurity matter. The biosecurity order may state that an authorised officer proposes, at a stated time or at stated intervals, to enter any of the following where biosecurity matter or a carrier (the subject of the order) is kept to check compliance with the order – (a) The place; (b) A vehicle of which the recipient is the person in control; (c) Another place of which the recipient is the occupier. The biosecurity order may state how the recipient may show that the stated action has been taken.










the recipient has a reasonable excuse. The period stated under subsection (e) must be reasonable having regard to the biosecurity risk arising from the recipients’ failure, or possible failure, to discharge his or her general biosecurity obligation. The biosecurity order must also set out, or state the effect of, section 262 and 263.

10.) Under s380 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 the issuing authority for a biosecurity order may recover the amount that the issuing authority properly and reasonably incurs in taking steps under section 263 (Power to enter place to



take steps if biosecurity order not complied with) as a debt payable by the person who failed to take the action to the issuing authority. For the purposes of recovery, this debt can be taken to be rates owing to the local government.

11.) Under s381 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 should the amount payable to a local government (including any interest on the amount) through a person’s/organisation’s failure to comply with an lawful biosecurity order issued by the local government and subsequent works/actions carried out by/on behalf of the local government in executing/completing the issued biosecurity order, then any unpaid amount is a charge on the land. After the charge is registered over the land (with the register of titles), the charge has priority over all other encumbants over the land other than – (a.) Emcumbrances in favour of the State or a government entity; and (b.) Rates payable to the local government.

12.) Under s240 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 at least 14 days before a biosecurity program starts, NBRC’s chief executive officer must give notice of the program— (a) to each department or government owned corporation responsible for land












information on how the purposes may be achieved. Constructively: An effort to provide understanding and guidance in a positive manner that promotes and provides the land owner/lessee with a reasonable opportunity to correct any deficiencies or non‐conformances. Biosecurity Plan: A legally required plan that a local government must have for the management of pests (invasive species) for its local government area. (s53 of the Act) The plan may include provision for each of the following— (a) achievable objectives under the plan; (b) strategies, activities and responsibilities for achieving the objectives; (c) strategies to inform the local community about the content of the plan and achievement of its objectives; (d) monitoring implementation of the plan and evaluating its effectiveness; (e) other matters the local government considers appropriate for

management of invasive biosecurity matter for its local government area.

Property Management Plan: A NBRC specific, non‐legally required management plan document/agreement that aims to constructively work with land owners/lessees with identified pest infestations/issues over a nominated period of time. The document defines agreed measures to be taken by the land owner/lessee over the nominated period of time to achieve an appropriate level of compliance with legal requirements and NBRC’s Biosecurity Plan (when developed). This document commits the land owner/lessee to the appropriate allocation of resources, time/effort and activities in order to achieve the required outcome. Failure to achieve/comply with the Property Management Plan could attract other corrective actions by NBRC. Prohibited Matter: Biosecurity matter that, for the time being, is established as prohibited matter under chapter 2 and/or schedule 1 of the Act. Generally, biosecurity matter satisfies the prohibited matter criteria if –






(a) to prevent or minimise adverse effects on a biosecurity consideration of the person’s dealing with the biosecurity matter or carrier or carrying out the activity; and

(b) to minimise the likelihood of causing a biosecurity event, or to limit the consequences of a biosecurity event caused, by dealing with the biosecurity matter or carrier or carrying out the activity; and




Policy Title: NBRC Biosecurity (Property Inspections) Program Policy

Policy No: Policy Subject: NBRC Biosecurity (Property Inspections) Program Policy Department: Strategy, Innovation and Assets Responsible Officer: Chief Executive Officer Authorised by: North Burnett Regional Council Adopted Date: General Meeting – xxxx 2018 Review Date: Authorities: Biosecurity Act 2014

POLICY: The North Burnett Regional Council (NBRC) will assist property owners/lessees across the North Burnett to manage their legislative responsibilities in relation to invasive (i.e. pest) plants and animals via property inspections. Property inspections (i.e. surveillance) will be conducted by “authorised persons” (Land Protection Officers – LPO’s) using a combination of random, targeted/follow up, requested and reported methods of pest identification. Where invasive plants and animals are detected on land that is privately owned/managed, NBRC will attempt to work positively and constructively with the applicable land owner/lessee in managing their legal responsibilities and biosecurity matter/risks/obligations. Management of these legal responsibilities could involve:

Immediate efforts by the land owner/lessee to prevent the spread and proliferation of identified invasive plants and animals and eradicate/control these pests on the property.

Ongoing and/or staged/progressive works by the land owner/lessee to prevent the spread and proliferation of identified invasive plants and animals and eradicate/control these pests on the property.

GeneralPolicy



Development and application of an agreed Property Management Plan for the identified pests on the property over a nominated period of time.

The execution of works by, or on behalf of NBRC, where reasonably requested/expected actions by the landowner have been inadequate in the management of invasive animals and plants. The costs of these works shall be borne by the land owner and/or affixed to the land title with an appropriate interest rate for amounts unpaid where legally permissible.

The issuing of fees and charges against the land owner/lessee as permitted under legislation, including Penalty Infringement Notices (PINS).

Prosecution of the applicable land owner/lessee for serious breaches of legislation and/or NBRC’s Biosecurity Plan (when developed).

Unless a formal arrangement/mechanism exists between NBRC and a neighbouring/adjoining authority, invasive plants and animals will only be managed under this policy if they occur within the NBRC region. NBRC may however engage with neighbouring/adjoining authorities in the development of its Biosecurity Plan for due consideration of cross region pest management priorities. INTRODUCTION: Each land owner/lessee has a general biosecurity obligation under the Biosecurity Act 2014 (the Act) to:



abide by the priorities and requirements of the local authority’s (NBRC’s) Biosecurity Plan.

Council strives to work closely with and assist the people of the North Burnett in managing their land protection/management and biosecurity responsibilities. Invasive plants and animals and their minimum management requirements are defined under the Act. The management of “Biosecurity Risks” within NBRC’s Biosecurity Plan (when developed) will also involve the definition of priorities in the management of these pests and others as appropriate. The priority of managing biosecurity risks can be defined either through the creation of “Biosecurity Zones” or by simply managing/preventing the spread of biosecurity risks to areas where historically there has been generally low levels or none previously identified. The management of these priorities can help define whether the practical objective is to eradicate or control the pest. OBJECTIVES: The NBRC Biosecurity (Property Inspections) Program has the objectives of:

Ensuring NBRC’s legal compliance as the local government authority.



Assisting land owners/lessees within the North Burnett region to meet their legal responsibilities and adequately manage biosecurity matter/risks/obligations.

Ensuring pests are appropriately managed in line with legal requirements and NBRC’s Biosecurity Plan (when developed).

Ensuring equity/fairness across all land owners/lessees whereby those that are committed to the appropriate management of pests (financially, resources, time/effort etc.) are not disadvantaged on an ongoing basis by those who have not managed their responsibilities appropriately.

Cooperatively working with and assisting to educate the people of the North Burnett region regarding biosecurity/invasive pests and/or property management matters.

NBRC’s Biosecurity (Property Inspections) Program Policy includes and utilises:

NBRC Biosecurity Surveillance Program Procedure – Doc ID: 756468

NBRC Biosecurity Prevention and Control Procedure – Doc ID: 797227

Property Management Plan Letter Template – Doc ID: 744071 DEFINITIONS: Authorised Person: A person who has been appointed (in writing) by NBRC’s Chief Executive Officer to perform functions under the Act within the region and is still engaged in this capacity. The functions and responsibilities of an authorised person under the legislation (s256 –Biosecurity Act 2014) include:



information on how the purposes may be achieved. Constructively: An effort to provide understanding and guidance in a positive manner that promotes and provides the land owner/lessee with a reasonable opportunity to correct any deficiencies or non‐conformances. Invasive Plant/Animal: (a) means a species of plant or animal that has, or is likely to have, an adverse impact on a biosecurity consideration because of the introduction, spread or increase in population size of the species in an area; and (b) includes a plant or animal species that is prohibited matter or restricted matter. The Act lists prohibited and restricted invasive plants and animals that are the responsibility of local government (Schedule 1 parts 3 and 4 and Schedule 2 part 2). Locally significant invasive species will be listed within NBRC’s Biosecurity Plan when it is developed.



Biosecurity Plan: A legally required plan that a local government must have for the management of invasive species for its local government area (s53 – Biosecurity Act 2014). The plan may include provision for each of the following— (a) achievable objectives under the plan; (b) strategies, activities and responsibilities for achieving the objectives; (c) strategies to inform the local community about the content of the plan and achievement of its objectives; (d) monitoring implementation of the plan and evaluating its effectiveness; (e) other matters the local government considers appropriate for management of invasive biosecurity matter for its local government area. Property Management Plan: A NBRC specific, non‐legally required management plan document/agreement that aims to constructively work with land owners/lessees with identified pest infestations/issues over a nominated period of time. The document defines agreed measures to be taken by the land owner/lessee over the nominated period of time to achieve an appropriate level of compliance with legal requirements and NBRC’s Biosecurity Plan. This document commits the land owner/lessee to the appropriate allocation of resources, time/effort and activities in order to achieve the required outcome. Failure to achieve/comply with the Property Management Plan could attract subsequent corrective actions by NBRC, as per the NBRC Biosecurity (Property Inspection) Program Procedure (Doc ID 756468). Reasonable: Something a person knows/ought to know or have completed given their position, experience, activities, resources and responsibilities. It is a reasonable expectation that a land owner/lessee should be aware of appropriate land management techniques and responsibilities, including the need to manage invasive plants and animals. General Biosecurity Obligation: Requires everyone to manage biosecurity risks under their control and take all reasonable and practical measures to minimise the likelihood of causing a biosecurity risk and minimise the adverse effects of dealing with a biosecurity matter or carrier (s23 – Biosecurity Act 2014).



Procedure Title: Biosecurity (Property Inspections) Program Procedure – Surveillance Program

Policy No: Policy Subject: Biosecurity (Property Inspections) Program Procedure Department: Strategy, Innovation and Assets Responsible Officer: Chief Executive Officer Authorised by: North Burnett Regional Council Adopted Date: General Meeting – xxxx 2018 Review Date: Authorities: Biosecurity Act 2014

OBJECTIVE: To implement the Biosecurity (Property Inspections) Program Policy and help ensure biosecurity matter and risks are appropriately managed on land where an individual/organisation is responsible for that land. INTRODUCTION: Each land owner/lessee has a general biosecurity obligation under the Biosecurity Act 2014 (the Act) to:




PROCEDURE:

1.) In order to ensure NBRC’s compliance with the Act, NBRC will operate a Biosecurity (Property Inspection) Program, which under sections 232 to 234 of the Act could be: (a) a surveillance program and/or

CustomerServiceProcedure



(b) a prevention and control program This procedure applies to NBRC’s Surveillance Program.

2.) NBRC’s surveillance program will involve inspections of properties selected through a range of mechanisms including:

a. Random selection within a scheduled inspection/surveillance program. b. Requested by the land owner or occupier as part of NBRC providing

constructive guidance/support to persons within the region. c. Reported by persons within the region concerned about potential

biosecurity issues within the region and/or the effectiveness of other land owners/lessees in managing their general biosecurity obligations and compliance with NBRC’s Pest Management/Biosecurity Plan.

d. Targeted by NBRC’s authorised persons as part of follow up surveillance monitoring for properties previously identified as having/reasonably suspected of having invasive species.

3.) NBRC’s prevention and control program will involve property inspections and as required remedial actions where either;

o land owners/lessees have been ineffective in carrying out their general biosecurity obligations and/or maintaining compliance with NBRC’s Biosecurity Plan (when developed) and other legal mechanisms through either the Surveillance Program or issued Biosecurity Orders have failed.

o Council decides it is in the greater communities/regions best interests to carry out such works.

o The nature of the risk presented by the biosecurity matter is such that Council is not prepared to wait for or risk an inadequate response from the land owners/lessees.

o The response covers multiple properties and is part of a project/program either funded or directed by either Council or a State Government Authority

This program applies only to properties that have biosecurity matter;

o known to exist, o reasonably suspected to exist, or o considered by Council/State Authorities to be a high risk of dispersing,

transmitting or otherwise receiving such matter. Please refer to Doc ID: 797227 for NBRC’s prevention and control program procedure.

4.) NBRC will attempt to engage with land owners/lessees in a constructive manner and provide both opportunity and guidance for the responsible person/s to address the invasive species issue(s). Where the responsible person/s cannot effectively address the identified invasive species issue(s) within an appropriate time period, the responsible



person may be required to commit to the implementation of an agreed Property Management Plan. The Property Management Plan will define a course of action agreed with NBRC, which will allocate priorities, resources, actions, locations and time frames for compliance with the responsible person’s general biosecurity obligations and NBRC’s Biosecurity Plan (when developed). Where the responsible person’s response has been inadequate and/or ineffective, NBRC will seek to resolve the matter via:

o Correspondence between NBRC and the responsible person/s; o Fines, fees and charges;

o Issuing of Biosecurity Orders; o Completion of works/action required under any issued Biosecurity

Order/s but not complied with by the applicable land owner/occupier within a stated or reasonable time frame, with all costs (including interest) chargeable to the responsible person/s as prescribed through legislation, and/or registered as a charge over land for any unpaid amounts;

o Prosecution; and/or

o Implementation of NBRC’s Prevention and Control Program.

5.) The random selection of properties as part of a scheduled inspection/surveillance program will be completed by a person within NBRC who is removed from the day to day interactions with members of the public involving biosecurity/pest management issues.

6.) The methodology used for the random selection of properties shall be:

a. Privately owned or managed property within the North Burnett region. b. Preference for properties adjoining or associated with drainage lines

and/or watercourses. c. The selection of an appropriate number of properties within each

shire/parish/area across the North Burnett region. d. The selection process shall utilise either:

i. a map defining property boundaries across the region and other relevant aspects including drainage lines/water courses, townships, roads etc or

ii. the random selection of properties from a list/database of properties for the North Burnett region using LotPlan or other identification details where property ownership/management is not identified during the selection process.

e. Properties that have already been inspected during the current biosecurity program period shall be excluded from re‐selection.

7.) Randomly selected properties across the region shall be listed for inspection/surveillance by authorised persons (LPO’s) during the corresponding time period.



8.) Property Inspection forms containing details of the property and responsible persons shall be printed and issued to the authorised person/s (LPO’s) assigned to complete the inspection/surveillance.

9.) Scheduled randomly selected property inspections/surveillance shall be nominally issued to the authorised person/s (LPO’s) operating within that area of the North Burnett region.

10.) Both the authorised person/s (LPO’s) and responsible persons associated with the land scheduled for inspection/surveillance have the right to request that an alternative authorised person/s (LPO’s) conduct the inspection/surveillance for a particular property.

11.) Should either the nominally issued authorised person/s, or the applicable responsible person for a particular property request that an alternative authorised person conduct the inspection/surveillance, NBRC will at its own discretion reallocate an alternative authorised person/s. (Neither the authorised person/s or applicable responsible person shall be able to choose what (if any) alternative authorised person/s are assigned).

12.) For all property inspections NBRC will attempt to engage persons responsible for the management of the land (owners/lessees) in a positive and constructive manner and provide both opportunity and guidance for the responsible person/s to address any identified invasive species issues.

13.) NBRC authorised persons will preferentially attempt to enter identified properties with permission (and if possible participation) from the land owner/ lessee, but may enter the property (without a warrant) with:

o due efforts to contact/gain permission from the land owner/lessee,

o appropriate property inspection lead times, o display of required identification, and

o required advertising/publishing and authorisation of the Biosecurity (Property Inspection) Program.

14.) All vehicles brought to site and used as part of property inspections/surveillance programs shall be cleaned down for weed hygiene both prior to arrival and upon departure from a property. Otherwise should the land owner/lessee be participating and be prepared to use their own vehicle/s, then the inspection/surveillance can be conducted in the land owner/lessee’s vehicle or on foot.

15.) Authorised persons (LPO’s) operating in compliance with their legislated legal authority, NBRC’s Biosecurity Plan (when developed) and this procedure shall have the power to instruct others and carry out activities within the North Burnett region in line with their authority. This includes the ability to issue Biosecurity Orders under the Biosecurity Act 2014.



16.) Authorised person’s (LPO’s) and other NBRC personnel interacting in a professional capacity with members of the North Burnett region community shall document and record any instruction, correspondence and observations made whilst carrying out their duties.

17.) All non‐trivial and non‐routine instruction, correspondence, observations and activities encountered whilst on duty shall be brought to the prompt attention of the applicable person’s supervisor.


19.) All persons operating under this procedure shall comply with all legal instructions provided by their NBRC supervisor.

20.) Generally NBRC shall operate a 5 stage response to the detection/management of invasive species which is:

1. Courtesy Letter identifying the outcome of an initial property inspection/surveillance program.

2. Property Management Plan Request Letter identifying that formal corrective action/agreement is required to manage previously identified biosecurity risks that have not been adequately addressed.

3. Issuing of a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN). 4. Issuing of a Biosecurity Order. 5. Completion of works/activities required by the Biosecurity Order if

not carried out by the applicable property owner/occupier within a reasonable/required time frame, with all costs (including interest) chargeable to the responsible person/s as prescribed through legislation. Unpaid amounts will be registered as a charge on land.

Should the identified/suspected Biosecurity Matter relate to something that is “Prohibited Matter”, it will be immediately referred to Biosecurity Queensland for the required response. Biosecurity Order’s may be issued at any stage deemed appropriate by an authorised person and NBRC in order to adequately manage biosecurity matter and the risks that they pose. However generally the issuing of Biosecurity Order’s will only be done in line with the above listed staged response unless the actual, or potential perceived biosecurity risks involve;

o prohibited matter and/or

o matter that has an unacceptable risk of rapidly propagating and spreading to other areas in time frames shorter than that typically experienced/expected using the normal process.



21.) For areas with established populations of invasive species, the sequence of management priority is as follows:

a. Containment – Prevent the invasive species from spreading to other locations.

b. Control – Prevent the invasive species from further population increase within the existing infestation area.

c. Elimination/Eradication – Eliminate the invasive species population from the infested area.

The management objective of responses to invasive species that are wide spread/well established in an area is to contain and control the infestation with efforts to minimise impacts upon land productivity and the environment. However, a high priority/urgent response is required where populations of an invasive species are

a. not well established (insufficient time to propagate), b. generally low across the area, or c. previously not detected/known to exist in the area.

The management objective of responses to invasive species in low/no previous infestation areas is eradication.



2.) A “surveillance program” (as defined under s233 of the Act) is a program

directed at any of the following—



program directed at any of the following— (a) preventing the entry, establishment or spread of biosecurity matter in an



area that poses a significant biosecurity risk; (b) managing, reducing or eradicating any biosecurity matter in an area that

could pose a significant biosecurity risk.

4.) Any NBRC biosecurity program must be authorised in writing by resolution of the local government (s235 of the Act). However, a program authorisation for a prevention and control program may be made only if each relevant person for the program authorisation is satisfied— (a) there is, or is likely to be, prohibited matter in an area; or (b) there is in an area any biosecurity matter that poses or is likely to pose a significant biosecurity risk; or (c) measures are required to prevent the entry or establishment in an area of biosecurity matter that poses or is likely to pose a significant biosecurity risk; or (d) after consultation with an industry group or community, that measures carried out jointly with the interested entity are required to control biosecurity matter in an area that would have a significant effect on members of the interested entity.


Unless a formal arrangement/mechanism exists between NBRC and a neighbouring/adjoining authority, invasive species must only be managed under the biosecurity program and this procedure if they occur within the NBRC region. NBRC may however engage with neighbouring/adjoining authorities in the development of its Biosecurity Plan for due consideration of cross region pest management priorities.
















following, at any reasonable time and at a place situated in an area to which a prevention and control program applies— (a) direct an occupier of the place to take reasonable steps within a reasonable period to remove or eradicate the biosecurity matter to which the program relates; (b) destroy the biosecurity matter to which the program relates, or a carrier of the biosecurity matter, if the authorised officer believes on reasonable grounds the biosecurity matter or carrier poses a significant biosecurity risk.



8.) Under s373 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 if an authorised officer reasonably

believes that a person has failed, or may fail, to discharge the person’s general biosecurity obligation at a place, the authorised person may given the person (the recipient) an order (a Biosecurity Order) The authorised officer may give the person the biosecurity order regardless of the circumstances in which the authorised officer forms the belief.



A biosecurity order must be directed at ensuring the recipient discharges his or her general biosecurity obligation at the place, and may in particular be directed at ensuring the recipient discharges the general biosecurity obligation for particular biosecurity matter. The biosecurity order may state that an authorised officer proposes, at a stated time or at stated intervals, to enter any of the following where biosecurity matter or a carrier (the subject of the order) is kept to check compliance with the order – (a) The place; (b) A vehicle of which the recipient is the person in control; (c) Another place of which the recipient is the occupier. The biosecurity order may state how the recipient may show that the stated action has been taken.










the recipient has a reasonable excuse. The period stated under subsection (e) must be reasonable having regard to the biosecurity risk arising from the recipients failure, or possible failure, to discharge his or her general biosecurity obligation. The biosecurity order must also set out, or state the effect of, section 262 and 263.

10.) Under s380 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 the issuing authority for a biosecurity

order may recover the amount that the issuing authority properly and reasonably incurs in taking steps under section 263 (Power to enter place to



take steps if biosecurity order not complied with) as a debt payable by the person who failed to take the action to the issuing authority. For the purposes of recovery, this debt can be taken to be rates owing to the local government.

11.) Under s381 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 should the amount payable to a local government (including any interest on the amount) through a person’s/organisation’s failure to comply with an lawful biosecurity order issued by the local government and subsequent works/actions carried out by/on behalf of the local government in executing/completing the issued biosecurity order, then any unpaid amount is a charge on the land. After the charge is registered over the land (with the register of titles), the charge has priority over all other encumbants over the land other than – (a.) Emcumbrances in favour of the State or a government entity; and (b.) Rates payable to the local government.

12.) Under s240 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 at least 14 days before a biosecurity

program starts, NBRC’s chief executive officer must give notice of the program— (a) to each department or government owned corporation responsible for land












information on how the purposes may be achieved. Constructively: An effort to provide understanding and guidance in a positive manner that promotes and provides the land owner/lessee with a reasonable opportunity to correct any deficiencies or non‐conformances. Biosecurity Plan: A legally required plan that a local government must have for the management of pests (invasive species) for its local government area. (s53 of the Act) The plan may include provision for each of the following— (a) achievable objectives under the plan; (b) strategies, activities and responsibilities for achieving the objectives; (c) strategies to inform the local community about the content of the plan and achievement of its objectives; (d) monitoring implementation of the plan and evaluating its effectiveness; (e) other matters the local government considers appropriate for management of invasive biosecurity matter for its local government area. Property Management Plan: A NBRC specific, non‐legally required management plan document/agreement that aims to constructively work with land owners/lessees with identified pest infestations/issues over a nominated period of time. The document defines agreed measures to be taken by the land owner/lessee over the nominated period of time to achieve an appropriate level of compliance with legal requirements and NBRC’s Biosecurity Plan (when developed). This document commits the land owner/lessee to the appropriate allocation of resources, time/effort and activities in order to achieve the required outcome. Failure to achieve/comply with the Property Management Plan could attract other corrective actions by NBRC. Prohibited Matter: Biosecurity matter that, for the time being, is established as prohibited matter under chapter 2 and/or schedule 1 of the Act. Generally, biosecurity matter satisfies the prohibited matter criteria if –






(a) to prevent or minimise adverse effects on a biosecurity consideration of

the person’s dealing with the biosecurity matter or carrier or carrying out the activity; and (b) to minimise the likelihood of causing a biosecurity event, or to limit the consequences of a biosecurity event caused, by dealing with the biosecurity matter or carrier or carrying out the activity; and



Item 7.2

7.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES MONTHLY REPORT

Doc Id: 858884



Attachments: 1. EH report JAN 2018.docx [] 2. NRM report - January 2018.docx [859045]


This report summarises activities for January 2018 by the Environmental Health and Natural Resource Management Streams within the Environmental Services Section.


That Council receives the report and notes:

1. An Aedes aegypti mosquito survey is being undertaken in Mount Perry in conjunction with Queensland Health and that a similar project involving CSIRO is occurring in other townships.

2. Waste facilities had recently been opened to assist residents in disposing of storm debris.

3. Expressions of interest to coordinate a Clean Up Australia event in Eidsvold have not be received and that a similar problem may arise for Biggenden.

4. Calicivirus (RHDV-K5) has been ordered and should be available for release in mid-March.

5. A number of lessons learnt have been identified following the recent impounding of cattle in Monto.



EnvironmentalHealthMonthlyReportJanuary2018

ContentsEnvironmental Health Monthly Report Summary .................................................................................. 1

Environmental Health Customer Service Request Overview.................................................................. 2

Food Business Licencing .......................................................................................................................... 2

Local Government Notifiable Disease Report for North Burnett ........................................................... 2

Vector Management ............................................................................................................................... 3

Vermin/Vector Investigations ................................................................................................................. 4

Waste Management Facilities ................................................................................................................. 4

Waste Management Facilities Updates .............................................................................................. 4

Garbage Collection Statistics .............................................................................................................. 4

Illegal Dumping Investigations ............................................................................................................ 4

Waste Education Activities ..................................................................................................................... 5

Wide Bay Burnett Regional Education Officer’s Meeting Update ...................................................... 5

Environmental Compliance Statistics ..................................................................................................... 5

Environmental Nuisance Investigations .............................................................................................. 5

Water Testing Investigations .............................................................................................................. 5

Environmental Health Learning and Development Opportunities ......................................................... 5

Monthly Media Schedule ........................................................................................................................ 6



EnvironmentalHealthCustomerServiceRequestOverview

Environmental Health 9

Noise 2

Odour, Dust and Smoke 2

Rubbish Collection/Bin Repairs 39

Rubbish Bin Fee Waivers 6

FoodBusinessLicencingAll Food Businesses must be licenced under the Food Act 2006 and comply with the Australian Food

Standards. These food businesses must be inspected, and are subject to offences and enforcement

methods as a licensed food business.

Application Assessments Monthly Statistics FYTD

New Application – Mobile Food Business 0 0

New Application – Temporary Food Business 0 4

New Application Fixed 4 6

Amendment 0 7

Food Safety Programs 0 3

Food Business Licence Renewals Processed 0 28

Food Business Inspections Monthly Compliance Statistics

Compliant FYTD

Number of routine inspections (including annual reviews) 0 6

Re‐inspection 0 0

Number of complaint inspections 0 1

Request for Search 0 0



General Food Enquiry Tasks Number of Tasks – Monthly Number of Tasks FYTD

General Enquiries 3 34

Public/Community Food Event Notifications

Monthly Notification Statistics Number of Tasks FYTD

Number of Food Notifications 8 81

LocalGovernmentNotifiableDiseaseReportforNorthBurnettA notifiable disease is any disease that is required by law to be reported to government authorities.

The collation of information allows the authorities to monitor the disease, and provides early

warning of possible outbreaks.

1. 2. Gayndah

3. Biggenden

4. Eidsvold

5. Monto

6. Mundubbera

7. Mount Perry

8. Campylobacter Enteritis

9. 0 10. 0 11. 0 12. 1 13. 1 14. 0

15. Ross River Virus 16. 0 17. 0 18. 19. 0 20. 0 21. 0

22. Salmonella Specified

23. 1 24. 0 25. 0 26. 0 27. 0 28. 0

29. Salmonellosis Unspecified

30. 0 31. 1 32. 0 33. 0 34. 0 35. 0

36. Cryptosporidiosis

37. 0 38. 0 39. 0 40. 0 41. 0 42. 0

43. Barmah Forest Virus

44. 0 45. 0 46. 0 47. 0 48. 0 49. 0



VectorManagementMosquito monitoring is being undertaken throughout the region. Mosquito Borne Disease Management Sub‐Group Meeting held in Biggenden: Council will be working with Queensland Health CSIRO to set traps in the Mount Perry. The aim of the project is to investigate if there are Aedes aegypti breeding in the area. Ovi Traps have been set is various locations; Mingo Crossing, Mount Perry township and Mt Rawdon Mine. Refer below: Picture of the Ovi trap NBRC are also working with Brendan Trewin from CSIRO, five locations were selected in Biggenden, Gayndah, Mundubbera and Monto. Aedes aegypti have been found in these locations previously,



therefore the aim of the project is to investigate if there are Aedes aegypti still present in the selected area.

Vermin/VectorInvestigationsVermin/Mosquito Complaints Number of Tasks for the month Number of Tasks ‐ FYTD

Vermin 0 1

Mosquito 0 7

WasteManagementFacilities

WasteManagementFacilitiesUpdatesLandfill Inspections

Undertaken Number for the month Number ‐ FYTD

Routine 6 36

DEHP Compliance audit inspections

0 0

Hazard Inspection Undertaken by Health Staff

2 7

GarbageCollectionStatistics

Kerbside Collection Monthly Units Units ‐ FYTD

Domestic 11987 89959

Additional Services 36 270

Infirmed 116 884

Commercial and School 4239 31838

Litter Service 784 5840

Not for profit 496 3720

Events 0 145

Total Services 17658 132656

General Waste Enquiries Number of Tasks for the Month

Number ‐ FYTD

General Enquiries 1 15

StormDamage

On the night of 14th February Gayndah was hit with hail and damaging winds. As a result the Environmental Health Team was contacted by local schools and caravan parks for out of hours access to the Waste Management Facility in Gayndah to clear the storm damage for continuation of operation. The Gayndah Waste Management Facility was opened for 1.5 hours and received 9.33m3 of storm damage green waste. No fees were charged for receipt of this waste.

Clean‐UpAustraliaDay



The Clean‐Up Australia Day event is scheduled for Sunday 4 March 2018. At the time of writing this report, there has been no expression from a community organisation in Eidsvold to coordinate an event in that town.

IllegalDumpingInvestigationsIllegal dumping is the unlawful deposit of any type of waste material of an amount of 200 litres (about the volume of an average wheelie bin) or more.

Illegal Dumping Statistics

Number of Tasks for the month Number of Tasks FYTD

1 7

WasteEducationActivities

WideBayBurnettRegionalEducationOfficer’sMeetingUpdate Meeting held in Biggenden on 19th Jan

o Discussion about Council issued keep cups to reduce amount of waste at landfill.

EnvironmentalComplianceStatistics

EnvironmentalNuisanceInvestigationsEnvironment Tasks Number of Tasks for the month Number of Tasks ‐ FYTD

Dust/Smoke 1 6

Odour 1 7

Noise 2 10

Suspected Contamination Task 2 3

Other 3 7

WaterTestingInvestigationsWater Testing Tasks Number of Tasks for the month Number of Tasks ‐ FYTD

Residential 0 2

Commercial 0 0

Council Swimming Pool Compliance Inspections

Number of Monthly Compliance Audits

Outcomes from Inspection

Gayndah 1 No nappy changing facilities available.

Biggenden 1 No hand soap available in amenities.

No documented procedure for faecal incidents.



No nappy change facilities available.

Eidsvold 1 No nappy change facilities available.

Monto 1

Mundubbera 1 No hand soap available in amenities.

EnvironmentalHealthLearningandDevelopmentOpportunities Nil

MonthlyMediaScheduleSubject Number of Media Releases

Mosquito Prevention 1



Natural Resource Management Report

21st February 2018

Contents Property Inspection “Biosecurity Program” and Weed Management ............................................... 1

Bio‐control Facility ‐ Monto……………………………………………………………………………………………………………2

Bio‐control ‐ Parthenium……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….2

Wild Dog/Dingo Management……………………………………………………………………………………………………….3

Other Feral Animals Management and Invasive Pest Management……………………………………………….3

Flying Fox Management and Monitoring……………………………………………………………………………………….3

Department of Transport and Main Roads…………………………………………………………………………………….4

Customer Service Requests and Equipment Hire for July…………………………………………………………….4‐5

Property Inspection “Biosecurity Program” and Weed Management A new property inspection “Biosecurity Program” that operates under the Biosecurity Act 2014 was adopted by Council on the 15/2/17. The latest media alerts as to Land Protection Officers intention to enter and inspect properties have been issued in the CNBTimes. NBRC’s LPOs continue to engage and work with the community to manage invasive weed pests. This engagement and participation includes both customer service requests and property inspections. Good general rainfall across the Nth Burnett saw gullies and stream flows improve which was good news for the majority of landholders but has also aided the spread of noxious weeds such as Parthenium downstream from some problem properties. LPOs have been involved in a number of service requests in relation to reported outbreaks of invasive weeds including inspections and spraying. These requests along with Biosecurity program property inspections carried out over January have resulted in:



Council has begun the process for drafting up our Biosecurity Plan. The initial consultation with LPO’s has identified our current pest priority list which will then be going to stakeholders for consultation. Bio‐control Facility – Monto NBRC has been collaborating with the Burnett Catchment Care Association, Monto Landcare and

Monto State High School to resurrect the Bio‐control facility on the school grounds.

Initial talks with the Interim Principal from the Monto High School are promising. It is doubtful that

the School will be able to contribute much time and labour in the initial stages however, it is hoped

when the facility is up and running (estimated at the end of this year), that they will be able to work

regular maintenance and harvest of insects into the curriculum.

Bio‐control – Parthenium The NRM team has been working with a team from the Dept. of Agriculture and Fisheries as part of

their Invasive plant and animal research to release and monitor Bio‐control agents for Parthenium.

Recent humid/wet conditions would have aided the spread of Summer Rust further from the release

sites.

Biosecurity Property Inspection Program and Management

(Includes Invasive Pest Detections, requests for control and reported outbreaks actioned)

Month YTD Month YTD Month YTD Month YTD Month YTD Month YTD

Parthenium 4 20 1 3 21 4 18 7 36 2 8

Giant Rats Tail 1‐Jan 9 4 7 5 8 7 15 1 18

Rubbervine 3 2 5 2 3 3

Mother of Millions 12 22 1 15 20 8

Honey Locust

Cats Claw Creeper 1

Lantana 3 1 2 7 3

Chinee Apple

Galvanised Burr 6 1 1 3 1 1

Clean Roads Inspection 1 4 1 8 2 2 4

Mt PerryMonto Eidsvold Mundubbera Gayndah Biggenden

Pest



Summer Rust on Parthenium – Mt Perry/Monto Rd

Jenny Voigt and Jeff Miles have met with members of DAF and it is hoped that we will get approval

to run the trial in two locations for three years on a contract basis. This will involve set‐up of the

plots, monthly monitoring and data collection and some herbicide.

The treatments applied would most likely be Biological Control (BC), BC and Grazing Management

and BC with different herbicide frequencies.

Two potential sites have been flagged, one on a property along Monto/Mt Perry Rd and the other

close to River Bend/Mundubbera. Once the sites are established there is the scope to extend the

trial to other areas in the Nth Burnett to reflect different soil types and micro‐climates.

Wild Dog / Dingo Management

Below is a table of Wild Dog / Dingo Management statistics for NBRC in January:



Other Feral Animals Management and Invasive Pests Management Feral Pigs Some Feral Pig snouts and tails are being presented to Council by people claiming the Bounty. There hasn’t been a huge response to date (see Table below – Calendar Year for Pig Snouts).

Rabbits

A new strain of Calicivirus (RHDV1‐K5) is available and Council has received some enquiries from

people interested in cleaning up localised populations. The virus works better being released at the

back end of spring or summer when there are flies around and few kittens.

A co‐ordinated Calicivirus release in March has received some enquiries to date.

Flying‐fox Management and Monitoring

A small colony of Black Flying Foxes remains at Mundubbera and is being monitored along with the colony at Gayndah golf course.

Department of Transport and Mains Roads (TMR) The 2017/18 Element 5 – Weed Management Contract for NBRC has been finalised and funds are allocated. LPO’s have an updated list of Job Cost numbers for each weed and following recent rain, will begin weed control on anything germinating. An issue is developing over the preference of TMR not to fund us for the control of African Love Grass (ALG) apart from three roads in the Eidsvold/Mundubbera area. Their main reasoning is that the weed is widespread, not declared or noxious and is becoming more an individual management decision for landholders. A concession was granted for Roads 41C (Burnett Highway 108 km from Binjour to Abercorn turn‐off), 435 (Durong Rd) and 454 (Eidsvold Theodore Rd) in the Mundubbera/Eidsvold region. This was mainly due to the push in recent times to have the weed declared locally (which was rejected) and the obvious strong feeling in this region. This will be reviewed during the next financial years funding application for Element 5.

Wild Dog / Dingo Management


Coordinated Baiting

Program (kg) 165.5 160 206

Private Baiting (kg) 4 1 31 258 73

Doggone Baits Sold

(each) 96 252 72 72 108 76

Scalp Bounty (each) 1 24 1 40 7 31 24

Foothold Traps (each)

Activity

Monto Eidsvold Mundubbera Gayndah Biggenden Mt Perry

Pig Management (Calendar Year)


Pig Snouts 52 137 123 43 20 84

Pig Traps (each) 2 5

Activity

Monto Eidsvold Mundubbera Gayndah Biggenden Mt Perry



We are still getting service requests for spraying of ALG along Council maintained roads in other areas however, and a decision needs to be made as to whether we continue to do so. There is the obvious potential for the weed to spread from TMR roads to others during slashing and other activities as well as from properties in general onto roads. This would mean control would continue indefinitely with no real result. No doubt there would also be confusion amongst the public as to why we are spending the money on some roads and not others. The decision needs to be made as to whether we continue to attempt ALG management in the Nth Burnett or do we take an “all or nothing” approach, explain our decision to the public and save dollars on LPO’s time and chemical cost? The development of Councils new Biosecurity Plan will allow us to address which level of management we want to set for ALG.

Customer Service Requests and Equipment Hire for January

Wandering Livestock Reports A recent attempt at impounding livestock in Monto was unsuccessful, however it has provided an opportunity for us to review the process, check Council’s PIC numbers and brands and the security of pounds. It should be noted that Council has not impounded cattle for over 8 years and a lot of the previous brands and PIC numbers are no longer valid. It is anticipated the problem in Monto will be ongoing and we will no doubt get a chance to use the new process in the near future.

Equipment Hire The ongoing intention in the future is to improve community awareness and utilisation of NRM Equipment that can help the community in managing their invasive species issues. Given that Council is hiring equipment to the community, Council will need to ensure that in future the equipment is of an appropriate condition/standard (i.e. covering public liability and community acceptance). Some of the equipment is aging and becoming less reliable, which warrants some replacement. A request for the purchase of a Quick‐spray unit will be submitted for budget planning.

Customer Service Requests


3 60 1 2 25 2 35 52 1

1

1 2

4 3 1 8

5 17 1 17 1 21 6 1

1 3 5 14 1 2 1 6 1 2

1 4 4 3

1 1 1

22 95 21 140 30 167 13 127 27 99

Flying Foxes 6 2 12 15 3

Mosquitos 1 1 1 4 2 4

Mt PerryMonto Eidsvold Mundubbera Gayndah Biggenden

Type of Request

Approval to Burn

Stock Route Grazing/Travel Permits

Other

Wandering Livestock reports

Declared Pest Reports

a. Council responsible locations

b. Community guidance/assistance

c. Baiting & Wild Dog Mgt Enquiries

d. Equipment Hire (Includes Spray Units)


Item 7.3

7.3 POUND BRANDS

Doc Id: 859408



Attachments: 1. Pound Brands - DAF Reply to Query - 270218.msg [859397]


Impounded livestock, especially clean skins, are required to be branded with a Council Brand during sale by auction. It was recently discovered that brands of the six former local governments prior to amalgamation remain active and that the North Burnett Regional Council as an entity does not have a registered pound brand.

The registered brands of the former Councils are:

1. Biggenden ♦3♥

2. Gayndah ♥♥6

3. Mt Perry 4♣♣

4. Mundubbera 6♣♣

5. Eidsvold ♦5♥

6. Monto 2♦♥

In original discussions with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Register of Brands, it was suggested that all brands should be retired and that new one for Council could be developed. This advice was not included in their subsequent correspondence (Doc ID 859397) Advice was also provided that it is a lawful requirement to destroy or modify branding irons so that they can no longer be used.

Given that Council is trying to develop an organisational culture of “one team”, it may be appropriate to introduce a new brand and retire the historic brands. Instead of destroying brands, an alternative may be to modify and mount them for presentation to the historical societies in each town with their history of registration.


Council has a legislative duty to have a registered Pound Brand for animal impounding. Council can choose one of the historic brands or possibly seek to register a new brand. The concept of an N (North Burnett), 6 (number of former Shires) and another symbol may be possible.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council resolve to:

1. Adopt and register a new Pound Brand for North Burnett Regional Council as the preferred option;

2. Choose a second Pound Brand option from the six historic brands if a new Pound Brand cannot be developed; and

3. Mount and present the retired branding irons to local historic societies within the region.


8 CONFIDENTIAL REPORTS

RECOMMENDATION

That Council considers the confidential report(s) listed below in a meeting closed to the public in accordance with Section 275(1) of the Local Government Regulation 2012:

8.1 Mingo Crossing Progress Report

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 275(1) - e of the Local Government Regulation, and the Council is satisfied that discussion of this matter in an open meeting would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest as it deals with contracts proposed to be made by it.


9 GENERAL BUSINESS

10 CLOSURE OF MEETING

agenda - northburnett.qld.gov.au · technical services standing committee meeting agenda 7 march...

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