Murdoch University

Biodiversity Policy

Policy Statement

Murdoch University recognises the value of biodiversity and the importance of ensuring minimal loss of biodiversity occurs from human impacts on native species and the spread of weed and feral species.

This policy provides guiding principles for biodiversity management and focuses on weed, fire, access and landscape management.

Definitions

Biodiversity (biological diversity) is the variety of life that exists on the planet. It consists of:

• Genetic diversity - the variety of genetic information contained in all of the individual plants, animals and micro-organisms that inhabit the earth.
• Species diversity - the variety of species in a certain area.
• Ecosystem diversity - the variety of habitats, biological communities and ecological processes.
  (Commonwealth Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories, 1996).

Policy Objectives

The objectives of this policy are to:

• Ensure there is minimal loss of biodiversity on Murdoch University Campuses and through the operations of the university.
• Maintain any populations of threatened native species and rare communities.
• Maintain a local teaching and learning resource on campus.
• Ensure that biodiversity conservation is integrated into land use planning and management.
• Control the spread of introduced species.
• Ensure areas of natural vegetation are managed through an acceptable management plan.

Policy Principles

Murdoch University endorses the following principles of biodiversity management on its campuses:

• The preservation of natural areas and land with high conservation values.
• Minimal landscape fragmentation through the retention of native bushland corridors.
• The protection of sensitive environments and representative communities and ecosystems.
• The promotion of local native species in landscape design and horticultural management.
• The development of a weed control program.
• The development and maintenance of fire control mechanisms.
• Appropriate alternatives to chemical pest control.

Policy Implementation

This policy will be implemented through the development of a Bushland Management Plan and through operational horticultural practices.

Monitoring and Auditing

Bushland Condition Mapping. (The degree of weed invasion and the percentage of understorey species present) This information will be presented graphically as a map and/or as descriptive text and should be reviewed at 5 yearly intervals.

Authorised By:

Signed by VC on behalf of the senate.

Responsibilities

The responsibility for the application of the Biodiversity Policy lies with Murdoch University Administration and the Murdoch University Environment Committee.
The application of policy objectives will be addressed through a Bushland Management Plan and the operational activities of horticultural staff for landscape development and maintenance.

Biodiversity Guidelines

Weed Management

Bushland weeds are generally introduced species that are inclined to displace native vegetation. Weed control becomes more difficult the longer it is left unchecked. Weed management requires staff training in bushland management skills and human resources dedicated to this task. Murdoch University will cooperate in community partnership initiatives to implement the following weed management principles.

Principles for Weed Control

The following management strategies prioritise activities to stop emerging weed problems:

1. Assessment /Prevention
2. Early Detection
3. Rapid Action.

The following strategies prioritise activities to reduce the impact of existing weed problems:

1. Identification and Assessment
2. Prioritise
3. Networked and coordinated activities

In-situ Weed Control

The following guidelines, known as the Bradley Method, have been developed through practical experience in bushland regeneration. They should be followed to in order to achieve best results in the control of weeds and their replacement with native species.

1. Work from the areas of good bush (less weeds and disturbance) towards the areas of weed infestation.
2. Make minimal disturbance. Physical soil disturbance, changes to the nutrient status and the water and fire regime are all forms of disturbance that promote weed growth. The use of sprays on some species and cutting and poisoning the stem of woody weeds, minimises disturbance.
3. Let native plant regeneration or assisted regeneration dictate the rate of weed removal. The better the condition of bushland the greater the area that can be weeded.
4. Understand the biology of the weed species you are dealing with, when they flower, how reproduction occurs, how seeds are spread their susceptibility to particular herbicides.

Fire Management

Fire management and weed control are closely associated, with weeds making a significant contribution to the fuel load. Disturbance of native vegetation through fire also contributes to additional weed growth.

Fire management on the Murdoch University campuses is undertaken to prevent the occurrence and/or suppress unplanned bushfires in native vegetation, to protect people and property from damage.

Fire management strategies incorporate the use and maintenance of fire breaks as tracks and the use of existing roads adjacent to bushland.

Principles for fire control

Fire management is an important consideration of overall biodiversity management and is a factor in management strategies. Bushfire management recognises the following principles:

A. The management and control of fuel loads.
B. Steps may be taken to minimise risks where life, property and community assets are threatened by fuel conditions.

Access Management

The control of access into remnant bushland is required to reduce the physical disturbance to the landscape and allows for the management of impacts and access to facilities. Access to areas of remnant bushland will be managed on the following principles:

1. Imposing physical barriers to motor vehicles to areas considered appropriate for access.
2. Guided pedestrian access to bushland areas will be provided at suitable locations.

Landscape Management

Murdoch University has established a reputation for its natural landscapes and use of native gardens. The use of native species enhances local biodiversity and promotes the aesthetic values of indigenous species. This policy endorses the continued predominant use of native species in landscaping for the purpose of biodiversity enhancement, visual amenity and water conservation.