Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2009L02536:reg:3:p7
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2009L02536
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 3 (pt 7/8)
Character Range: 30235–33469

mark-recapture method to assess population size allows managers to quantify some aspects of invasion risk to direct and optimise management options.

Performance indicators
    * Contingency quarantine and response plans for all islands are in place as part of feasibility studies or quarantine plans for high priority rodent-free islands.
    * Infestation rates on key Australian and foreign vessels are measured.
    *

3.3.5             Actions to achieve outreach and public education
These actions aim to ensure the plan's actions and outcomes are understood and actively supported by island residents, traditional owners and other interested parties. This support is important during feasibility planning for eradication to address potential concerns about the risks involved with control methods such as aerial poisoning, which by its nature is conducted by agencies or contractors. However, it is even more important to involve island residents and other parties in the ongoing management of reinvasion risks, quarantine and sustained control, which by its nature requires the active participation of the wider public.

5 – Actions to achieve outreach and public education                                                                          Priority and timeframe
5.1 Promote stakeholder input and involvement as the Threat Abatement Plan is implemented                                     High priority, short term
5.2 Actively consult with traditional owners of islands                                                                       High priority, short term and ongoing
5.3 Promote the conservation benefits of successful eradications to the wider Australian public                               Medium priority, medium term
5.4 Identify boat owners who visit key islands, and develop an education package to ensure their vessels are free of rodents  High priority, long term

Current state of actions
Stakeholder interest in this plan is high for some conservation groups and from the residents of some islands. However, there has been no formal consultation with traditional owner organisations or boat owners about the Threat Abatement Plan. The lack of input from traditional owners will have to be remedied particularly at the level of detailed consultation with the actual owners of any islands intended for actions.

Performance indicators
    * The Plan is widely accepted as an action resource by stakeholders
    * The Plan will be used as the basis for ongoing consultation with appropriate representatives of traditional owner groups, and direct consultations with particular traditional owners of islands mooted for actions
    * A resource kit 'keeping your boat free of rodents' for boat owners is developed and made available.

3.4                   Research and information needs
Research on the management of exotic rodents on islands is being conducted in many countries and Australian researchers and managers need to access these results. However, within Australia five key gaps are identified:

    * The possibility that the presence of ship rats reduces the chance to eradicate mice needs to be tested and the causes identified. This is not just an Australian problem so researchers