Released 19/01/2018
Canberrans are invited to attend a community briefing session on 19 February about the possible future release of carp virus – cyprinid herpesvirus 3 – into the nation’s waterways.
“Carp are Australia’s worst introduced freshwater fish and now dominate the waterways of the Murray–Darling Basin,” Minister for the Environment and Heritage Mick Gentleman said today.
“They muddy the water through their bottom-feeding behaviour, which has flow-on effects for plants, invertebrates, other fish, and bird life. Carp also affect all water users, including irrigators, local communities and those who use our waterways for recreation.
“The National Carp Control Plan is being prepared to explore the possible release of this carp virus into Australian lakes, rivers and waterways to help control carp populations.”
The carp virus is found in 33 countries but not in Australia. Following research and testing over the past decade, CSIRO scientists are very confident the carp virus is specific to carp and won’t cause disease in any other fish, animals or humans. There is no evidence internationally of the carp virus or any other fish virus causing disease in humans.
“The virus will not be released without approvals required under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and through the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority,” Minister Gentleman said. “Release is also contingent on a comprehensive plan being in place for infecting the carp, the clean-up of dead fish, extensive public consultation and national agreement on implementation and funding arrangements.
“The ACT Government has established a cross-agency taskforce to consider specific risks for the ACT and region associated with the proposed release and measures to mitigate those risks.
“The briefing session will provide information on the research, background and desired outcomes of the National Carp Control Plan, as well as be an opportunity to get valuable local insights into issues which need to be considered in the planning.”
The local February briefing is one of more than 40 being held in carp-affected areas in Victoria, NSW, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia to assist in the development of a National Carp Control Plan. Governments will consider this plan at the end of 2018. If a decision is made to proceed with the virus release, it is expected that would occur in late 2019.
For more information please visit www.yoursay.act.gov.au.
The community briefing session will be held from 6 pm to 8 pm on Monday 19 February 2018 at the Ainslie Football Club.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases
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