Submission re: New Directions for Natural Resource Management in South Australia : Discussion Paper November 2002 |
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Details:The Foundation for a Rabbit-Free Australia (RFA) is an independent body set up in1991 to support rabbit research and promote community awareness of the rabbit problem. Through the RFA, concerned people can donate money directly to rabbit research.Foundation for a Rabbit-Free Australia, Prepared by: F Bartholomaeus[1] Date: 16th December 2002 |
The Discussion Paper makes no specific mention of scientific research into natural resource management. We are concerned that this may compromise effective pest control in SA.The Animal and Plant Control Commission (APCC) conducts research into pest animal and plant control in South Australia, and is also responsible for policy and planning, extension, and overview of on-ground pest control work. The APCC and its precursor in pest animal control, the Vertebrate Pest Control Authority or VPCA, shared this close relationship between research and application. Important research results can get straight to the areas where they are most needed, without the delays or distortions that frequently occur when transferring information between separate agencies. As a result, significant advances in pest control have been achieved over the last few decades. In the case of the rabbit, these include refinements of strategies such as baiting and habitat destruction to take advantage of rabbit biology. There have also been advances in biological control, including the release and monitoring of the European rabbit flea in SA, the introduction of the Spanish rabbit flea to Australia, and the initial investigation of RHD. We are also concerned that vital long-term research will not occur if there is no dedicated and stable research group. Results from Dr Brian Cooke's work, both with the APCC and CSIRO, and Dr Bob Henzell's exclosure work in the Gammon Ranges, both indicate the value of long-term research into the effects of pest animals on the environment. Indeed, given the long cycles involved in biological work, long term projects are vital to achieve meaningful results. This is especially true in the arid areas where much of the environmental damage from pest animals occurs. We believe that a stable and productive research group is one of the best attributes of the Animal and Plant Control Commission, and as such should be retained in the new NRM plans for SA. [1] Faerlie Bartholomaeus, |