Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L01397:body:0:p20
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L01397
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 69892–76114

Building coordination and communication between key stakeholders and researchers is expected to improve the likelihood of the success of this TAP. In particular, this will assist by facilitating access to data and alerting stakeholders to new sites of infection, as well as encouraging increased support for implementing management actions. For researchers, it would allow greater collaboration, build capacity and reduce unintentional duplication of efforts.

To achieve improvements and maximum efficiency in management activities, it is accepted that sharing information and coordinating activities across jurisdictions will result in the greatest conservation gains. Applying coordinated, scientifically-based management to high-priority areas that contain key threatened species is vitally important to protect these amphibian species.

Action                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Priority/      Outcome/output
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              timeframe
Action 4.1: Develop a communication strategy that will contribute to abating the threat of amphibian chytrid fungus                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           High priority  Communication strategy developed and implemented.
The Department to promote information exchange between researchers/key stakeholders and support the development of a communication strategy on abating the threat of amphibian chytrid fungus.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Years 1–3
National Chytrid Working Group to lead on developing and implementing the communication strategy. This communication strategy should include:

      * techniques to encourage collaborative research on chytrid fungus and its impact on amphibian populations, across various disciplines and institutions

      * methods to disseminate information to stakeholders, including reporting detection of outbreaks, to assist in the coordination of responses to outbreaks, particularly in chytridiomycosis-free areas

      * methods to educate and inform the community (including key groups such as wildlife carers, frog biologists, veterinarians, and commercial and recreational users, including bushwalkers, 4WD operators and tour groups) about existing legislation and regulations regarding chytrid, basic disease management and the risks of transporting potentially infected amphibians, water and other transmitting agents. Information on the Australian Registry of Wildlife Health public website now includes the content of the former Amphibian Disease Home Page. This webpage (http://www.arwh.org/amphibian-dz-homepage) could be updated, as required, to assist in this process.

      * guidelines on appropriate information and signage to be placed at entrances to national parks, forestry reserves, and other areas containing water bodies – particularly in identified key areas and wilderness zones. Wash down facilities to be provided, where needed.

Action 4.2: Support the development/provision of a central information storage site where government, stakeholders and researchers can upload and access data (part of communication strategy Action 4.1)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Med priority   Central database developed and relevant data provided to stakeholders.
Stakeholders to lead on the provision of an agreed central information/data storage site that allows researchers and stakeholders to upload relevant information such as research data and papers that can be shared with other researchers and key stakeholders. This should also act as a coordinated national database for chytrid survey results that could inform reporting processes