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DUBBO-based Macquarie River Food and Fibre is backing the proposed release of a carp-specific herpes virus to kill European carp, Australia's worst freshwater pest.
Newly-appointed MRFF executive officer Grant Buckley has joined a chorus of influential voices calling for any future release of the carp herpesvirus to be supported by measures allowing native fish to thrive, including the restocking of rivers and habitat rehabilitation.
The Clearer Waters Alliance is highlighting the European carp's "devastating effect" on native fish populations as well as rivers.
Dubbed "ecosystem engineers", European carp is reported to destroy plants, turn over river beds, erode banks and muddy water.
The Australian Conservation Foundation, Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation, Invasive Species Council, National Farmers' Federation and National Irrigators' Council form the alliance.
It is calling for a long-term program that will create the "right conditions" for native fish populations to flourish as federal, state and territory governments consider the release of the carp herpesvirus.
"Successful outcomes will need significant investment and co-operation from federal, state and local governments, as well as active participation of catchment management bodies, community groups and members of the public," said Invasive Species Council chief executive officer Andrew Cox in a statement release by the alliance this month.
MRFF, which supports its members' vision for an "efficient, productive and profitable" irrigation industry in the Macquarie Valley, reports that the carp herpesvirus has had major impacts on the species globally.
"Testing of carp herpesvirus in CSIRO's Australian Animal Health Laboratory has proven that it does kill Australian carp, and it kills them fast," Mr Buckley told the Daily Liberal.
"Current CSIRO testing has proven that the carp herpesvirus is safe, effective and target specific."
Mr Buckley said a national carp herpesvirus release, monitoring and clean-up strategy, was being prepared for regulatory approvals through the Quarantine Act, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and Biological Control Act, "each with their own requirements and public consultation processes which may take a minimum of two years".
"The NSW Department of Primary Industries through Invasive Animals CRC funding is preparing a national release, monitoring and clean-up plan for regulatory approval," he said.
"This will then undergo extensive public and stakeholder consultation over coming years
"Governments will continue to play a governing role in the carp herpesvirus regulatory process. If approved under key federal legislation, state and territory governments can then decide whether to release the virus based on the information provided in their jurisdiction."