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NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Governance of pest and weed management in NSW

Background

In 2023, the interim Biosecurity Commissioner heard from key stakeholders about issues with the current governance arrangements and structure of pest and weed management in NSW.

The Independent Biosecurity Commissioner (the Commissioner) has reviewed pest and weed governance structures and arrangements to optimise management of pests and weeds in NSW.

What is included in the review?

The scope of the review included:

  • Consideration of outcomes from the Natural Resources Commission’s Invasive Species Management Review
  • Identification of strengths of the current governance structure
  • Consideration of jurisdictional approaches to pest and weed management
  • Consideration of alternative models for managing cross-tenure issues across NSW
  • Consideration of funding arrangements

The review did not include a review of emergency management arrangements for declared biosecurity incidents.

Stakeholder engagement

In completing the review, the Commissioner worked closely with stakeholders, seeking input and contribution towards the development of proposals and recommendations for a revised governance model.

There has been much commentary about how pests and weeds are managed across NSW, throughout all levels of government and across land tenures. There is a strong sentiment within government, industry, environmental groups and the community that the existing governance framework and arrangements for managing pests and weeds in NSW is insufficient to meet the ongoing and emerging challenges that NSW is facing.

Despite having strong foundations, NSW is experiencing an increase in the number of invasive species incursions and pathways. Key concerns relate to the structure and functioning of state and regional committees, a reported disconnect between strategic priority setting and on-the-ground activities, and an overall lack of consistency and coordination of activities.

In November 2024, the NSW Independent Biosecurity Commissioner sought input via a public survey to help understand how pest and weed management in NSW can be improved. Key findings from the survey are outlined below.

key findings

Final report and NSW Government Response

The Commissioner has completed the review and delivered a report (PDF, 5285.82 KB), including recommendations on a revised governance model.

This report has been provided to the Minister for Agriculture, and the NSW Government has considered the report and provided a response (PDF, 16176.12 KB) to the Commissioner's recommendations.

More information on how the NSW Government is implementing improvements to the NSW biosecurity framework.