Threat Abatement Plan for Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi
Objective 1: Identify and prioritise forObjective 1: Identify and prioritise for protection biodiversity assets that are, or may be, impacted by P. cinnamomi
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Objective 1: Identify and prioritise for protection biodiversity assets that are, or may be, impacted by P. cinnamomi
There is a need to determine the risks P. cinnamomi poses to biodiversity assets across Australia and develop a list of national priority biodiversity assets for protection. Attention is drawn to the discussion in the background document on state-based approaches to the assessment of risks from P. cinnamomi.
Appendix A shows EPBC Act listed plant species which may be at risk from P. cinnamomi. Appendix B shows EPBC Act listed threatened ecological communities that may be at risk from P. cinnamomi. Although understanding of plant species’ susceptibility and impacts on dependent wildlife is still developing, these lists provide a starting point for prioritisation.
Threatened species and communities are also listed under state and territory legislation. Australian Government and state/territory lists do not necessarily align, creating the potential for inconsistency in priorities.
Risk assessment methodologies should be the basis for governments in setting management priorities and allocating resources. The risk assessment process extends beyond those susceptible plant species and ecological communities that are currently listed as threatened under the EPBC Act. It also covers those that are at risk of becoming listed due to factors such as proximity to infested areas, and extends to habitat dependent wildlife and plant species that may be impacted by Phytophthora dieback.
| Action | Responsible party | Priority | Timeframe | Performance indicators |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Action 1.1Identify species and communities at risk from P. cinnamomi through assessing state/territory and Commonwealth lists of threatened species. | Australian Government | High priority | Short term | Assessment of threatened species and communities that may be impacted completed and the Threatened Species Scientific Committee advised with 12 months of the making of this TAP.Gaps and synergies identified to inform management. |
| Action 1.2Identify impacts and prioritise flora, fauna and communities at risk to inform P. cinnamomi management. | Australian Government and state and territory governments | High priority | Medium term | Flora and fauna species at risk are identified and prioritised.Ecological communities at risk are identified and prioritised.The threat of Phytophthora dieback is evaluated in Commonwealth recovery plans. |