In Kachana Pastoral Co Pty Ltd v Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (2025), the State Administrative Tribunal confirmed that Western Australian pastoralists have a positive and ongoing legal obligation to control declared pests under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (WA).

The Tribunal upheld a Control Notice requiring the culling of feral donkeys, finding that the pastoralist’s existing management practices were insufficient to reduce their number, distribution, and spread.

The decision reinforces that statutory biosecurity obligations take precedence over alternative land management philosophies or perceived ecological benefits of declared pests. It establishes an important precedent regarding the standard expected of landowners and occupiers in managing invasive species.

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