❓ Question highlights the impact of climate change on wetlands and turtle populations due to fox predation. The Minister acknowledges the issue and outlines existing government strategies for climate adaptation and pest management.
AnsweredQoN 2113Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is the Minister aware that climate change is causing our wetlands to dry
out earlier than in the past and that this is exposing aestivating turtles to
fox predation? (2) Is the Minister aware that more than 120 aestivating turtles were
discovered to have been excavated and devoured by foxes at Bibra Lake in the
autumn of 2024? (3) Is the Minister aware that the snake-necked turtles are apex predators and
they play a vital role in maintaining the health of our wetlands? (4) What is the State Government doing to address this impact of climate change? (5) Is the State Government assisting and improving coordination between landowners
in their fox management strategies to meet their obligations under the Western Australian Biosecurity and Agricultural Management Act 2007 ? (6) If yes to (5), in what ways is this occurring? (7) If no to (5), why not?
out earlier than in the past and that this is exposing aestivating turtles to
fox predation? (2) Is the Minister aware that more than 120 aestivating turtles were
discovered to have been excavated and devoured by foxes at Bibra Lake in the
autumn of 2024? (3) Is the Minister aware that the snake-necked turtles are apex predators and
they play a vital role in maintaining the health of our wetlands? (4) What is the State Government doing to address this impact of climate change? (5) Is the State Government assisting and improving coordination between landowners
in their fox management strategies to meet their obligations under the Western Australian Biosecurity and Agricultural Management Act 2007 ? (6) If yes to (5), in what ways is this occurring? (7) If no to (5), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 September 2024
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Energy; Environment; Climate Action
Response time
9 days
1-3 . Yes.
4. In July 2023 the State Government released Western Australia’s first Climate Adaptation Strategy that sets out four key directions including producing credible climate information, building public sector capability and accountability, enhancing partnerships to coordinate action and supporting the climate resilience of Aboriginal people. The State Government is committed to action on climate change and has introduced legislation to Parliament this year to ensure WA contributes to national and global mitigation efforts. The Western Australian Climate Change Bill 2023 establishes the target of net zero emissions by 2050 and requires the setting of interim targets and emissions budgets at regular five-yearly intervals. The legislation also creates statutory requirements for adaptation planning, further ensuring the State’s climate resilience into the future.
5-6. The primary mechanism Government uses to support landholders to meet their obligations to control declared pests under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 is the provision of funding from the Declared Pest Account to Recognised Biosecurity Groups (RBGs). The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) supports and assists land managers by providing guidance and advice on best practice pest management through regulating access to registered pesticides and trapping permits where they are required. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) undertakes pest animal management, including fox control, on the lands it manages. DBCA liaises with neighbours to coordinate such programs where feasible and within available resources.
7. Not applicable.
4. In July 2023 the State Government released Western Australia’s first Climate Adaptation Strategy that sets out four key directions including producing credible climate information, building public sector capability and accountability, enhancing partnerships to coordinate action and supporting the climate resilience of Aboriginal people. The State Government is committed to action on climate change and has introduced legislation to Parliament this year to ensure WA contributes to national and global mitigation efforts. The Western Australian Climate Change Bill 2023 establishes the target of net zero emissions by 2050 and requires the setting of interim targets and emissions budgets at regular five-yearly intervals. The legislation also creates statutory requirements for adaptation planning, further ensuring the State’s climate resilience into the future.
5-6. The primary mechanism Government uses to support landholders to meet their obligations to control declared pests under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 is the provision of funding from the Declared Pest Account to Recognised Biosecurity Groups (RBGs). The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) supports and assists land managers by providing guidance and advice on best practice pest management through regulating access to registered pesticides and trapping permits where they are required. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) undertakes pest animal management, including fox control, on the lands it manages. DBCA liaises with neighbours to coordinate such programs where feasible and within available resources.
7. Not applicable.
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