Sad NPWS draft Code of Practice - FEEDBACK DUE SUNDAY

Posted by Sam Davis (Australia, NSW) on 26-Jun-24 03:24 PM AEST
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Response to NPWS draft Code of Practice

Many of you may have received an email from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) late last month announcing the release of a draft code of practice for native birds. This process first began in 2014 and while many options were negotiated and seemingly agreed none have ever been implemented. Any requirement to notify NPWS, including register or lodge returns was hotly opposed by birdkeeper reps for all common in aviculture species.

The licensing system is broken. There is massive non-compliance somewhat encouraged by promises of change to a more realistic risk based approach removing commonly kept aviary birds from the need for a licence completely.

In a nutshell, the intention was always to remove all native species that are common in aviculture from any need to have a licence this was known as a risk-based system. This has occurred in Queensland. Over $2.5 million was spent by the NSW government resulting in a package of recommendations that would do similar. Sadly, there is a reluctance in NPWS for any meaningful change, the agreed option was never progressed it was filed. This recent process is a cynical attempt by NPWS to say they have implemented a risk-based system. In reality it is little more than a licensing scheme in disguise registration required. annual returns required, etc. nothing changes.

NPWS want to appear to have implemented a risk-based system when they have not. If this goes through, then removing common species from licensing will be off the agenda for decades. Ten years of effort , since 2014 down the gurgler.

From past experience with this process, the NPWS hierarchy will likely push to move all currently exempt species into the new Code system. Effectively even budgies, zebs, stars, etc. could then require a licence.

We expect NPWS will also use the process to implement licensing for bird sales just like occurs for reptiles. For reptiles, licence numbers for sellers along with a table plan identifying each sellers table is submitted prior to the sale. NPWS officers attend and inspect. As you can imagine, this would be a huge (and pointless) impost for sale organisers.

You can and should make a written submission to let NPWS know our concerns by any one of the three options below:
completing the online submission form at https:/www.environment.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/have-your-say
emailing your submission to wildlife.reformsenvironment.nsw.gov.au
posting your written submission to:
Title: Draft Dealing in Protected Birds Code of Practice
Manager NPWS Wildlife Strategy and Reform Unit
Locked Bag 5022, Parramatta NSW 2124.

Written submissions must be received by Sunday 30 June 2024.

Our recommendation is to complete the survey questions as No to all four questions and either.
1. include the statement I remain in agreement with the CCBFA letter dated 3/11/2022 which is at the following link - https:/www.ccbfa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/NSW-NPWS-CCBFA-Minister-Griffin-031122.pdf
OR
2. Better still, write your own summary of the above letter.

It is critical that all of us let NPWS and the Minister know our views and instead progress a reasonable outcome for a process that has been stalled by NPWS for the last 10 years. You can also assist by encouraging fellow birdkeepers, friends and family to also make a submission.

Regards
FSA Committee