Pest Arrest in Central Queensland: conserving biodiversity through pest management

Abstract

Pest Arrest in Central Queensland is an example of an emerging suite of initiatives that puts the theory of management effectiveness evaluation into action. The program was initiated with the vision of maintaining, recovering and restoring the biodiversity and ecosystems of protected areas. Pest Arrest places importance upon high quality research, planning, pest control, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. Using ten showcase projects, Pest Arrest aims to move thinking and practice from pest management outputs (e.g. number of pigs controlled) to on-ground outcomes (e.g. restoration of a threatened ecosystem), and from a single species to a whole-of-ecosystem approach. Each showcase project adopts a comprehensive performance management framework. Particular attention is given to articulating desired outcomes that delineate the required condition of natural, cultural and recreational values in the protected area within a set timeframe. Detailed objectives with associated indicators and targets are provided to allow performance assessment. The program encourages a multi-disciplinary, team-based approach; community engagement; formation of partnerships; and ‘learning by doing’. This article explores the major elements and adaptive framework of Pest Arrest.

Keywords:

• management effectiveness evaluation
• protected areas
• performance management
• adaptive management
• pest management
• biodiversity