Biosecurity Plan: Priority animals

Our Biosecurity Plan presents the priority invasive animals for the Sunshine Coast. These were determined by assessing all invasive species impacting or threatening our region. For each species several factors were considered such as:

if listed in the Biosecurity Act (the Act)
potential impacts
locations and how widespread
ease of spread
availability, effectiveness and cost of control measures.

To help focus pest animal management efforts and resources, each priority species has an identified management objective. Reasonable and practical measures to achieve each of these management objectives are included in the plan.

Priority invasive animals by management objective:

Prevention

These species are not currently found on the Sunshine Coast. If these species became established, they could result in significant impacts. It is important for land managers to prevent the entry and establishment of these species.

Species 'Restricted' under the Act (please report to Council):

feral chital (axis) deer (Axis axis)
hog deer (Axis porcinus)
red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans)
sambar deer (Rusa unicolor, syn. Cervus unicolor)

Eradication

These species are present in low numbers and found in only a few locations on the Sunshine Coast. However, if they spread further, they will cause significant impacts. Elimination of these species is achievable for land managers.

Species 'Restricted' under the Act (please report to Council):

European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
feral fallow deer (Dama dama)

Containment

These species are found in parts of the Sunshine Coast but not everywhere. Where they do occur, they cause notable impacts. Land managers should reduce the impact of these species and stop their spread across the landscape.

Species 'Restricted' under the Act (please report to Council):

feral red deer (Cervus elaphus)
feral rusa deer (Rusa timorensis syn. Cervus timorensis)

Asset Protection

These species occur across the whole of the Sunshine Coast. They cause some impacts where they occur. These species should be managed when they threaten or impact high-value assets. This may include important environmental, agriculture, or community areas.

Species 'Restricted' under the Act (please report to FeralScan):

cat (Felis catus and Prionailurus bengalensis x Felis catus), other than a domestic cat
dog (Canis lupus familiaris), other than a domestic dog
dingo (Canis lupus dingo)
European fox (Vulpes vulpes)
feral pig (Sus scrofa)

Get help to protect your place

Council provides a range of services to the community to assist in managing invasive species.

What council is doing

Council is working in collaboration with state government and other local governments, community groups and land holders to protect against invasive animals.