Our Operating Area: Shire of Ravensthorpe
Area: 13,551 km²
About Us
Between 2002 and 2016, we operated as a Declared Species Group, coordinating wild dog control in the Ravensthorpe Shire. During this time, we achieved significant control of wild dog numbers by engaging Licensed Pest Management Technicians to undertake control activities such as dispersing 1080 baits, trapping, and shooting.
With the introduction of the Biosecurity and Agricultural Management Act 2007 (BAM Act), the funding landscape changed, and groups like ours were required to become financially self-reliant. We firmly believe that declared pests can be better managed through a coordinated approach involving the community, industry, and government. To this end, we initiated a community funding system called the Declared Pest Rate, where funds raised by the community would be matched by the government. This approach ensures the Southern Biosecurity Group's (SBG) ongoing funding to coordinate declared pest control within the Shire. As per the BAM Act, to introduce the Declared Pest Rate, we had to gain recognition as a Recognised Biosecurity Group.
In 2016, we applied to the Minister for Agriculture to become a Recognised Biosecurity Group. In March 2017, the Southern Biosecurity Group (SBG) received confirmation that we had met the criteria for recognition.
The SBG operates as a subgroup of the Ravensthorpe Agricultural Initiative Network (RAIN) and has a clear mandate to coordinate the control of declared species in the Shire of Ravensthorpe.
Our Vision Our vision is for the Southern Biosecurity Group to be proactive in encouraging all stakeholders to adopt sound biosecurity practices.
Our Purpose Our purpose is to minimize the environmental, economic, and social impacts of animal pests and weeds on the agricultural industry, landscapes, and biodiversity values within the Ravensthorpe Shire. We aim to achieve this by coordinating a community-based approach to the management of animal pests and weeds.
With a dedicated team and strong community engagement, we are committed to creating a sustainable and resilient environment within the Shire of Ravensthorpe.
Map of Shire:
