P. cinnamomi on priority biodiversity assets. Action Responsible party Priority Timeframe Performance indicators Action 2.1 Assess the appropriateness of registration of phosphite for management of P. cinnamomi in natural ecosystem contexts. If appropriate and feasible, initiate registration by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Management Authority. State and territory governments High priority Short term Phosphite is assessed for its appropriateness to be registered as a control method for Phytophthora dieback in natural systems. Required research is identified and conducted for registration (if appropriate). Process for registration of phosphite for national use in natural ecosystem contexts has commenced (if appropriate). Action 2.2 Implement control actions to protect priority biodiversity assets (as identified Objective 1) from the impacts of P. cinnamomi. Australian Government and state, territory and local governments High priority Ongoing Quarantine and hygiene measures for priority biodiversity assets are implemented during the life of this TAP. Where suitable eradication, containment or control methods are applicable, these are implemented throughout the life of this TAP (e.g. eradicate small infestations to protect high value healthy catchments). Ex situ conservation of species at risk is undertaken at appropriate facilities that manage the risk of P. cinnamomi introduction. Action 2.3 Develop and implement practices to minimise the Australian Government, state, territory and local governments and High priority Short term and ongoing Risk reduction plans (prevention, impact reduction, containment, stakeholder
inadvertent spread of P. cinnamomi to priority biodiversity assets. relevant industries conducting activities (e.g. forestry, garden/nursery, road construction, recreation, mining and tourism) engagement, communication materials including signage, monitoring) for priority protection areas and biodiversity assets are prepared. Implement a voluntary certification scheme Australia-wide for high risk materials such as nursery materials, soils, quarry products and road and track building material. Pathogen-tested raw materials, compliant with a best practice certification scheme, are used in high-risk infestation pathways such as soil and nursery materials. Action 2.4 Integrate management of P. cinnamomi with other natural resource management systems, especially fire management, including emergency suppression protocols, and prescribed fires. Australian Government and and territory governments Medium priority Medium term State and territory governments have adopted integrated hygiene procedures for works in native vegetation to manage pests, weeds and disease risks. P. cinnamomi management is integrated with compatible land management programs such as revegetation, fire, weed and pest management and road maintenance programs. Action 2.5 Promote use of guidelines to minimise risks from P. cinnamomi arising from Australian Australian Government High Priority Ongoing Guidelines to minimise risks from P. cinnamomi are communicated to funding recipients and reviewed and updated
Government environment funding programs. as necessary. Objective 3: Communication and training There are limited options for managing Phytophthora infestations, so preventing its spread is vital. As the cumulative impacts of Phytophthora dieback cause further permanent damage to Australian landscapes, it is increasingly important to reinvigorate concern and publicise the importance of spread minimisation. National coordination and sharing of state/regional communications approaches can help lift awareness of this threat to a higher level. This should include clear communication to land managers and land users of: • the approach adopted in this TAP • the scale of the threat to biodiversity posed by P. cinnamomi and other Phytophthora species • the priority biodiversity assets that need protection • the tools and practices that will minimise the inadvertent spread of P. cinnamomi • the necessity for land managers in conservation, forestry, horticulture, agriculture, and resources to be trained to an appropriate level in the science and management of P. cinnamomi • the need for integration of P. cinnamomi management, education and training with natural resource management activities. A number of networks of conservation groups and researchers with an interest in P. cinnamomi already exist. Networks such as the Dieback Working Group, Project Dieback in Western Australia, Leave No Trace Australia and the Australian Network for Plant Conservation can assist in communicating developments in the management of P. cinnamomi, host susceptibility and other issues. The appointment of a Dieback Coordinator to relevant local government areas may also assist in providing guidance and coordination for dieback matters at the local and regional scale. Action Responsible party Priority Timeframe Performance indicators Action 3.1 Develop and implement a national communications strategy to raise awareness of the threat of Phytophthora dieback and the importance of preventing spread. Determine stakeholders, key Australian Government and state and territory governments High priority Medium term and ongoing Responsible parties work together towards a coordinated communications strategy to raise awareness of the threat nationally. Effective communication actions are progressed during the life of the TAP. Research and findings are assessed, documented and communicated to stakeholders.
vulnerable species in the hope that restoration of those species to ecological communities may be possible in the future. Action Responsible party Priority Timeframe Performance indicators Action 4.1 Undertake further or new research into: developing new and effective treatments for the disease that minimise collateral impacts; eradication methods for a variety of soil techniques to develop resistance in vulnerable species Australian Government, state and territory governments and research organisations High priority Ongoing Collaborative applied research projects are undertaken to test and improve eradication and species resistance. Action 4.2 Encourage new partnerships (e.g. through the Australian Research Council or forestry, mining and nursery industries, philanthropists) to support the funding of research relating to the management of P. cinnamomi (and other Phytophthora species). Australian Government, state and territory governments, research organisations, industry, philanthropists, and community High priority Ongoing Approaches are made to seek corporate funding for research into the development of an alternative treatment to phosphite. Partnerships are initiated within 12 months of this TAP being made. Action 4.3 Increase understanding of factors affecting pathogen distribution and expression (including climate change). Australian Government, state and territory governments, research organisations and industry Medium priority Medium term Material on factors affecting pathogen distribution and expression is published. Further research is conducted into the mechanisms of spread and survival of P. cinnamomi, assessing its long term direct and indirect impacts in the range of priority ecosystems it affects. Action 4.4 Undertake susceptibility/natural and territory governments, research Medium priority Medium term Susceptibility screening of priority species is undertaken at appropriate facilities using
and implementation improved (this could include the efficacy of implementation practices). Action 4.7 Develop methods for restoration of priority sites that are degraded by P. cinnamomi. Australian Government, state and territory governments and research organisations Medium priority Ongoing Restoration and revegetation techniques for priority sites degraded by P. cinnamomi are developed over the life of this TAP, using resistant plant species. Resistant species that may provide structure and food sources for priority species are introduced into impacted priority areas. Action 4.8 Establish repositories for collections of P. cinnamomi cultures and nationally available standards for collection and analysis of P. cinnamomi samples, in order to facilitate research on the genetic basis of resistance and genetic diversity of P. cinnamomi. Australian Government, state and territory governments and research organisations Medium priority Medium term Cultures of P. cinnamomi are able to be tested against samples available through a complete and accessible national repository for cultures of P. cinnamomi isolated from natural ecosystems. National standard methods are used by laboratories for the collection and analysis of soil, plant and water samples for the presence of P. cinnamomi. 3. Duration, Review, Funding and Implementation 3.1 Duration and review of the plan Section 279 of the EPBC Act provides for the review of this TAP at any time and requires that it be reviewed by the Minister at intervals of no longer than five years. During the life of the TAP, the