We conducted a risk analysis for the release of the weevil Listronotus appendiculatus for the biological control of the aquatic weeds Sagittaria platyphylla and Sagittaria calycina.
We conducted the risk analysis in two key steps:
- Released the draft report of the risk analysis for the release of Listronotus appendiculatus for the biological control of Sagittaria platyphylla and Sagittaria calycina on 28 April 2020, via Biosecurity Advice 2020/P03 for a 30 day consultation period, closing on 28 May 2020.
- Released the final report of the risk analysis on 30 July 2020, following consideration of stakeholder submissions.
We undertook this risk analysis to assess the proposal by the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) to release the fruit-feeding weevil (Listronotus appendiculatus) for the biological control of Sagittaria platyphylla and Sagittaria calycina in Australia.
The final report recommends that the release of L. appendiculatus should be permitted, subject to standard quarantine conditions associated with the import and release of exotic biological control agents.
The final report has determined the overall risk associated with the release of L. appendiculatus to be Negligible. A risk estimate of Negligible achieves Australia’s appropriate level of protection (ALOP).
The assessment of risk to off-target plants included consideration of the testing methodology used and the plant species test list, including non-target species tested in described experiments. The biology of L. appendiculatus and surveys undertaken in its native range were also considered.
The final report also contains details of the risk assessment process used for consideration of potential off-target effects associated with the proposed release of L. appendiculatus.
A written submission was received from one stakeholder during the consultation period for the draft report.
The application from Victoria DJPR that was provided to the department has been included with the final report.
The published application report may not meet Australian Government accessibility guidelines as it has not been prepared by the department.
Download application
| Document | Pages | File size |
|---|---|---|
Application for the release of Listronotus appendiculatus for the biological control of Sagittaria platyphylla and Sagittaria calycina PDF |
70 | 2.0 MB |
Download final report
Download draft report
If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for help.
Next steps
Publication of the final risk analysis report represents the end of the risk analysis process.
There is also an approval process within the department under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Risk analysis reports may be used by the Minister for the Environment in making a determination to include the species on the List of specimens taken to be suitable for live import (the Live Import List).
This approval process will occur following release of the final report. If the department approves release of the biological control agent and the Live Import List is amended to include the agent, a letter will be sent to the applicant providing conditions of release.
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For more information, email imports or phone 1800 900 090 (option 1, option 1).