These questions will help us understand which region, community and industry sectors are affected by the proposed new Regulation and the proposed amendments. 

The recommended option is to remake the existing regulation for reasons and ways of distributing and disposing of category 3 and 7 restricted matter, including when used as a biological control, with an amendment to clarify the definition of a recognised biological agent to mean:

• a plant, animal or pathogen (disease) that reduces the vigour, size, viability and competitiveness of target category 3 restricted matter; and
• for category 3 restricted matter listed in Schedule 4, part 1, column 1 or part 2, column 1, means a plant, animal or pathogen listed in Schedule 4, part 1, column 2 or part 2, column 2, opposite the category 3 restricted matter.
• the updated list of allowable biological control agents and host species as found in Attachment 5.

The recommended option is to remake the existing regulation regarding setting a maximum contribution from local governments for managing invasive biosecurity matter with the funds from the Land Protection Fund.

If allowed to lapse, local governments would face increased uncertainty regarding payments to the fund, potentially leading to unaffordable charges that could divert funds from other essential responsibilities and may result in unequitable maximum contribution outcomes for local governments who do not benefit from barrier fences.

The recommended approach is to remake the invasive animal boards and barrier fence parts of Chapter 4 to continue to provide effective provisions for collaborative fencing initiatives to prevent rabbit and wild dogs spreading and impacting agricultural production and food supply, as well as impacts to the environment.

If these provisions of the Biosecurity Regulation expired, local governments would no longer be the established building authority responsible for managing the rabbits or wild dog check fence and as a result, the chief executive of DPI would become the building authority for the fences. This would cause inefficiencies and resourcing issues as the local governments are considered to have the expertise and coordination, resource allocation, detailed understanding of enforcement related to rabbits and barrier fences, as well as existing stakeholder networks and collaborations.

If the Regulation expired, the Darling Downs – Moreton Rabbit Board (DDMRB) would no longer be responsible for the rabbit fence or managing the European rabbit within the operational area.

As the National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP) review and the sunset review are occurring concurrently, the recommended option relating to the sunset review is to remake the Biosecurity Regulation in its current form. This will ensure that existing controls, including the establishment of biosecurity zones for red imported fire ant, remain in place while the NFAEP review is completed.

The recommended option is to remake the existing electric ant biosecurity zone provisions to protect Queensland from possible electric ant incursions.

The recommended option is to re-introduce the part of the Regulation which outlines specific requirements for prohibited and restricted matter permits, with amendments. These include providing the decision maker with discretion regarding public liability insurance requirements to recognise low risk or public benefit activities, or where insurance may not be obtainable; and aligning reporting timeframes for theft, escape, or accidental release of permit matter to within 24 hours.

If allowed to expire, Queensland’s biosecurity framework would be significantly weakened as there would be impacts to government, community, universities and conservation groups who deal with regulated matter for educational and recreational benefits.