Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00270:body:0:p4
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00270
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 10494–13661

the current decline over the 10-year period of this plan, but they will help to slow decline and are essential for future population recovery. Importantly, actions taken or not taken now will affect the likelihood of extinction of Leadbeater's possum over a 50–100 year timeframe.

1.1                 Long-term recovery objective
The extent, quality and connectivity of current and future suitable habitat, and its occupancy by Leadbeater's possum, is increased, such that its probability of extinction over a 100-year period is less than 1%.

1.2                 Recovery plan objectives
To progress the long-term recovery objective, eight objectives are set for the 10-year life of this plan. To achieve these objectives, and consistent with the requirements of the EPBC Act, the recovery plan sets out those research and management actions necessary to stop the decline of, and support the recovery of, Leadbeater's possum so that its chances of long-term survival in nature are maximised.
Objective 1: All relevant existing and future planning and policy settings are reviewed, and where required, refined and implemented in a manner that contributes appropriately to maximising the chances of long-term survival of Leadbeater's possum in nature.
Objective 2: A whole of landscape management regime is in place ensuring that all current and future suitable habitat across the species' known range is maintained, enhanced and effectively managed to maximise its suitability for Leadbeater's possum.
Objective 3: A range of ex-situ conservation strategies to support within range recovery are assessed, and where deemed there is a net long-term benefit (such as, likelihood of increase in overall population viability), implemented and evaluated.
Objective 4: Additional populations outside the core range of the Central Highlands are located, established and protected.
Objective 5: Targeted research addresses key knowledge gaps such that management options are better informed and management actions more effective.
Objective 6: An integrated monitoring program is effectively implemented (and maintained) that publicly reports in a timely manner on possum status, existing and future habitat extent, quality and connectivity, and effectiveness of management and research activities.
Objective 7: Stakeholders support and where relevant are involved in the implementation of the Plan.
Objective 8: Effective and adaptive implementation and management oversight of the Plan, including adequate resourcing, is in place.

    2               Introduction

2.1                 Conservation status of Leadbeater's possum
Leadbeater's possum is currently listed under the following legislation:
    * Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth): Critically Endangered
          uplisted to Critically Endangered in 2015, previously listed as Endangered (since 2000); re-assessed in 2019 and maintained as Critically Endangered;
          eligibility listing criterion 1A4(b) – a very severe (greater than 80%) decline in population size over a combination of the recent past and near future (that is, over a total of three possum generations