We are conducting a risk analysis for the proposed release of the weevil Listronotus appendiculatus into Australia. The purpose of this release is to control the aquatic weeds Sagittaria platyphylla and Sagittaria calycina.

The use of exotic biological control agents to control invertebrate pests, weeds and other organisms has been common in Australia for many years. Releasing pathogenic, herbivorous, predatory or parasitic organisms into the Australian environment can have potential “off-target” risks. This means risk to other plants or invertebrate animals not targeted by the biological control agent.

We began this risk analysis in response to an application to release Listronotus appendiculatus to control Sagittaria platyphylla and Sagittaria calycina. The application was submitted by the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR). We will not commence an assessment to release a biological control agent unless the target pest species has been approved by an appropriate government body. Both Sagittaria platyphylla and S. calycina were approved as target species for biological control by the Invasive Plants and Animals Committee on 26 November 2015.

We have now released a draft report, which:

• estimates off-target risks and potential consequences of the release
• evaluates the risk to be Negligible, which achieves Australia’s appropriate level of protection (ALOP)
• proposes the release of the biological control agent Listronotus appendiculatus.

You are invited to provide comments on the draft report. In particular, on the proposal to release Listronotus appendiculatus.

Submit your comments by 28 May 2020.

To make a submission:

• read the draft report [2.2MB PDF]
• submit your feedback via our online form, or by post or email.

We will consider all comments before preparing the final report.