Under the BAM Act the State also raises a Declared Pest Rate from landholders in prescribed areas, and matches the funds raised from the rate dollar-for-dollar. The combined funds are made available to RBGs who provide support to landholders to manage widespread and established declared pests in its area of operation.
RBG strategies are aimed at bringing together and supporting landholders to meet the legal requirement under the BAM Act to control declared pest animals and plants on their own land. The provision of public funds to RBGs is the State Government’s approach to supporting landholders fulfil their legal obligations.
RBG activities may include pest management awareness initiatives, pest control education, coordination of control activities, and sometimes implementation of pest management activities across land tenures. RBGs facilitate a community led and coordinated approach, which is the most effective way to manage widespread and established declared pests.
Landholders are encouraged to get involved in their local RBG’s activities. Landholders not receiving a direct benefit from these activities can still reap the rewards from having community-wide projects.
As of September 2021, there are 14 RBGs in Western Australia, with their combined areas covering most of the State.