Conserving threatened species

Tabled Report 7: 2018–19

Tabled date

2018-11-13

Report year

2018-19

Environmental protection

Entities audited

Not identified in the published HTML audit scope.

Recommendations

1. QAO's text Addressed to: Proactively nominate species for listing or reclassification under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006. Classification reviews

   Proactively nominate species for listing or reclassification under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006. Classification reviews should be periodical.

2. QAO's text Addressed to: Review the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to ensure timely listing of threatened species. This

   Review the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to ensure timely listing of threatened species. This should include amending the legislation so that the minister’s decision of whether to add, delete or reclassify a species is reflected in the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006 within a specified timeframe after receiving the Species Technical Committee’s recommendation.

3. QAO's text Addressed to: Review the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to ensure timely listing of threatened species. This

   Increase the transparency of the threatened species assessment process by publishing online:

   • a public request to encourage nominations to add or delete species from the current list or to change the classification of listed species
   • species nominations received, allowing the public to submit further information that may assist the Species Technical Committee’s assessment
   • meetings dates and terms of reference for the Species Technical Committee
   • Species Technical Committee’s assessments and recommendations, with supporting scientific evidence to inform future nominations.

   It may be appropriate to refrain from publishing information that could result in further harm to the species.

4. QAO's text Addressed to: Review the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to ensure timely listing of threatened species. This

   Further develop and implement its draft project governance framework and project plan for the Common Assessment Method project to ensure the department meets all its obligations under the Memorandum of Understanding.

5. QAO's text Addressed to: Review the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to ensure timely listing of threatened species. This

   Review the classification status of Queensland’s native species currently listed in the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006 to prepare for the transition to the Common Assessment Method.

   This includes reassessing Queensland’s threatened species classifications where they are inconsistent with the Commonwealth’s threatened species list.

6. QAO's text Addressed to: Review the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to ensure timely listing of threatened species. This

   Develop an integrated and comprehensive conservation strategy for Queensland to meet the requirement of the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

   The strategy should be supported by plans for:

   • investment and implementation
   • engagement and communications
   • monitoring and evaluation.

7. QAO's text Addressed to: Review the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to ensure timely listing of threatened species. This

   Monitor and report on the population and trends of threatened species by:

   • prioritising species for monitoring to make the most of available resources
   • developing data collection protocols to ensure consistency and rigour
   • improving data management and access
   • reporting on recovery activities within government and by external partners
   • reporting on the effectiveness of conservation management outcomes.

Authoritative report — Queensland Audit Office

Report PDF on QAO