The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has approved a 12 monthextension for the development of the National Carp Control Plan.

Head of biosecurity policy at the department, Josephine Laduzko, said theadditional time will allow for critical research to continue and for furthercommunity and stakeholder engagement with potentially affected communities.

“The extension for the plan provides the opportunity to align the science withpractical and effective implementation options,” Ms Laduzko said.

“We want to ensure the issues encountered from the work undertaken so far areaddressed, as well as questions raised through community and stakeholderconsultation.

“Successful control of carp would improve water quality and bring benefits tofarmers, industry, communities and the environment, particularly in theMurray-Darling Basin.

“This is a comprehensive and coordinated assessment, and once completed, willplay a critical role in government’s decision on whether or not to proceedwith release of the virus.

“Whether to release the carp virus to control carp is a big decision and it isessential that we get this early work right. There will be extensive furtherpublic consultation before any final decisions are made.”

The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation is leading the developmentof the plan through a $10.2 million grant, alongside relevant Commonwealthagencies, state and territory governments and research agencies.
For more information on the National Carp Control Plan, go tohttp://www.carp.gov.au/.

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