4. Operational Planning

STEP 4.1 Identify Stakeholders

Purpose To ensure stakeholders are fully engaged throughout the Operational Planning Stage.
Timing Note Stakeholder consultation will continue throughout the Operational Planning Stage to ensure that the Operational Plan, the Biosecurity Plan and Monitoring and Evaluation Plan are developed in close collaboration with Stakeholders.
Useful Tools
  • Guidelines on Stakeholder Engagement
  • Operational Plan TEMPLATE
  • Operational Plan WORKED EXAMPLE
  • Biosecurity Plan TEMPLATE
  • Monitoring and Evaluation Plan TEMPLATE

Actions

Action Description
1 Review the Socially Acceptable section of the Feasibility Study Report and identify any issues relating to Stakeholder Consultation.
2 Review the Stakeholder Engagement section of the Project Plan.
3 Identify where stakeholders should be consulted in this Stage.
4 Consult throughout the stage as planned.
At the end of this step: The Operational Plan, the Biosecurity Plan and the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan have been developed in collaboration with stakeholders.

STEP 4.2 Secure Consents and Permits

Purpose To secure all legal permits and non-legal consents required to undertake the project.
Timing Note This step can take significant time – start as soon as possible.
Useful Tools
  • Guidelines on Consents and Permits
  • Guidelines on Stakeholder Engagement
  • Guidelines on Planning and Managing the Eradication Operation
  • Operational Plan WORKED EXAMPLE

Acions

Action Description
1 Review the Politically & Legally Acceptable section of the Feasibility Study Report to identify all the consents required.
2 Review the Socially Acceptable section of Feasibility Study Report to identify landowner’s consent required.
3 Arrange all consents and permits.
At the end of this step: All required consents have been acquired.

STEP 4.3 Resolve any Identified Issues

Purpose To conduct trials, tasks or gather information required that was identified in the Feasibility Study Report and is needed to be resolved before the Operational Planning can proceed.
Useful Tools Guidelines on Planning and Managing the Eradication Operation

Actions

Action Description
1 Review the Conclusion section of the Feasibility Study Report and identify any issues that need resolving.
2 Review any other issues that need resolving.
3 Plan and carry out any activities required to resolve the identified issues.
At the end of this step: You are able to proceed with writing the remainder of the Operational Plan.

STEP 4.4 Describe the Problem

Purpose To give the eradication operation team an overview of the problem.
Useful Tools
  • Operational Plan TEMPLATE
  • Operational Plan WORKED EXAMPLE

Actions

Action Description
1 Review The Site and Target Species sections of the Feasibility Study Report and the Project Plan.
2 Determine the details of the problem that the Eradication Operation Team will need to know.
3 Record the information in the Project Site & Target Species section of the Operational Plan.
At the end of this step: The Project Site & Target Species section of the Operational Plan is complete.

STEP 4.5 Plan the Details of the Eradication Operation

Purpose To explain the details of how the eradication operation will be carried out.
Timing Note Details of the eradication may continue to change throughout the project. Always keep the Operational Plan up-to-date.
Useful Tools
  • Guidelines on Rodent Bait and Baiting
  • Guidelines on Using Brodifacoum
  • Guidelines on Cat Eradication and Monitoring Techniques
  • Operational Plan TEMPLATE
  • Operational Plan WORKED EXAMPLE.

Actions

Action Description
1 Review the Project Approach section in the Project Plan.
2 Review the Technical Approach section of the Feasibility Study Report.
3 Review the results of any activities in step 4.3 Resolve any Identified Issues (above).
4 Plan the details of the eradication operation.
5 Record the information in the Operation Details and Task Schedule sections of the Operational Plan.

At the end of this step:

  • The Operation Details section of the Operational Plan is complete.
  • Any related tasks are included in the Task Schedule section of the Operational Plan.

STEP 4.6 Plan How to Manage the Non-Target Species Risks

Purpose To describe how the risks to non-target species will be managed.
Useful Tools
  • Guidelines on Managing Non-Target Species Risks
  • Operational Plan TEMPLATE
  • Operational Plan WORKED EXAMPLE

Actions

Action Description
1 Identify any risks to non-target species by reviewing the:
  • Operation Details section of the Operational Plan
  • Environmentally Acceptable section of the Feasibility Study Report
  • Project Plan.
2 Plan how each risk will be managed.
3 Record the details of the plans in the Non-Target Species section of the Operational Plan.
4 Record any related tasks in the Task Schedule section of the Operational Plan.

At the end of this step:

  • The Non-Target Species section of the Operational Plan is complete.
  • Any related tasks are included in the Task Schedule section of the Operational Plan.

STEP 4.7 Plan How to Manage the Environmental Effects

Purpose To explain how the wider environment will be protected to minimise the adverse effects of the eradication operation.
Useful Tools
  • Guidelines on Managing Environmental Effects
  • Operational Plan TEMPLATE
  • Operational Plan WORKED EXAMPLE

Actions

Action Description
1 Identify any risks to the wider environment by reviewing the:
  • Operation Details section of Operation Plan
  • Environmentally Acceptable section of the Feasibility Study Report
  • Project Plan.
    		•
    2 Plan how each risk will be minimised.
    3 Record the details of the plans in Environmental Effects section of the Operational Plan.
    4 Record any tasks in the Task Schedule of the Operational Plan.

    At the end of this step:

    • The Environmental Effects section of the Operational Plan is complete.
    • Any related tasks are included in the Task Schedule section of the Operational Plan

    STEP 4.8 Plan the Monitoring

    Purpose To describe how and when each outcome indicator will be measured.
    Timing Note If there is to be community involvement in the monitoring, ensure sufficient time is allocated for this step so all stakeholder engagement can be completed.
    Useful Tools
    • Monitoring and Evaluation Plan TEMPLATE
    • Monitoring and Evaluation Plan WORKED EXAMPLE
    • Guidelines on Monitoring and Evaluation
    • Guidelines on Stakeholder Engagement
    • Guidelines on Rodent Identification
    • Guidelines on Rodent Surveillance Techniques
    • Guidelines on Cat Eradication and Monitoring Techniques

    Actions

    Action Description
    1 Review the Monitoring the Success of the Project section of the Project Plan.
    2 Plan how each project outcome indicator will be measured.
    3 Record the plan in the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan.
    4 Have the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan reviewed by independent technical advisors.
    5 Update the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan to reflect the reviewer’s feedback.

    At the end of this step: The independently-reviewed Monitoring and Evaluation Plan is complete.

    STEP 4.9 Plan the Biosecurity

    Purpose To describe how to prevent and respond to re-invasions by the target species or an introduction of new invasive species.
    Timing Note
    • While the Biosecurity Plan is initially written in the Operational Planning Stage, the earlier the prevention measures start the better.
    • The Biosecurity Plan is a living document and will be periodically reviewed in later stages and updated if required.
    • Allow sufficient time for adequate stakeholder engagement during this step.
    Useful Tools
    • Biosecurity Plan TEMPLATE
    • Biosecurity Plan WORKED EXAMPLE
    • Guidelines on Biosecurity
    • Guidelines on Stakeholder Engagement
    • Guidelines on Cat Eradication and Monitoring Techniques
    • Guidelines on Rodent Surveillance Techniques
    • Biosecurity prevention trip checklist TEMPLATE

    Actions

    Action Description
    1 A reminder of what is known about the biosecurity threats to the island is required by reviewing the Sustainable section of Feasibility Study Report.
    2 a) Identify the invasive species threats and potential impacts to the island.
    b) Record the information in the Risk Species section of the Biosecurity Plan.
    3 a) Identify the pathways that could be used by invasive species to get to the island.
    b) Record the information in the Pathways section of the Biosecurity Plan.
    4 a) Identify the prevention measures and plan the associated activities to ensure the measures are implemented.
    b) Record the activities in the Prevention section of the Biosecurity Plan.
    5 a) Plan the surveillance and incursion response activities.
    b) Record the activities in the Surveillance and Incursion Response sections of the Biosecurity Plan.
    6 Complete the Biosecurity Plan by writing the remaining sections of the plan, i.e. Introduction, The Site and References sections.
    7 Have the Biosecurity Plan reviewed by independent technical advisors.
    8 Update the Biosecurity Plan to reflect reviewers’ feedback.

    At the end of this step: The independently-reviewed Biosecurity Plan is complete.

    STEP 4.10 Plan the Safety of People

    Purpose To explain how the health and safety of the Eradication Operation Team, visitors and residents of the site will be protected during the eradication operation.
    Useful Tools
    • Guidelines for Project Managers
    • Operational Plan TEMPLATE
    • Operational Plan WORKED EXAMPLE

    Actions

    Action Description
    1

    Review the Operational Plan to identify the risks to the health and safety of:

  • the Eradication Operation Team
  • other island visitors
  • residents of the site.
    		•
    2 Plan how each risk will be managed.
    Notes:
    • Assess the need for warning signs at the site to alert the public to the use of toxic bait. If required, include tasks involved in the erecting and removal of warning signs in the Task Schedule section of the Operational Plan.
    • For more information, refer to the Managing Health and Safety section of the Guidelines for Project Managers.
    3 Record details of the health and safety risks and how it will be managed in Ensuring the Safety of People section of the Operational Plan.
    4 Record any tasks in the Task Schedule of the Operational Plan.

    At the end of this step:

    • Ensuring the Safety of People section of the Operational Plan is complete.
    • Any related tasks are included in the Task Schedule section of the Operational Plan.

    STEP 4.11 Plan the Logistics

    Purpose To explain the logistics of the eradication operation.
    Useful Tools
    • Guidelines on Planning and Managing the Eradication Operation
    • Operational Plan TEMPLATE
    • Operational Plan WORKED EXAMPLE

    Actions

    Action Description
    1 Review the Operational Plan.
    2 Review the Project Plan.
    3 Plan the logistics of the eradication operation.
    4 Record the plan in the Logistics section of the Operational Plan.
    5 If you identify any further tasks related to the logistics, include them in the Task Schedule of the Operational Plan.

    At the end of this step:

    • The Logistics section of the Operational Plan is complete.
    • Any related tasks are included in the Task Schedule of the Operational Plan.

    STEP 4.12 Prepare an Equipment List

    Purpose To prepare a checklist of equipment required for the eradication operation, the Biosecurity Plan and the monitoring activities.
    Useful Tools
      • Operational Plan TEMPLATE
      • Operational Plan WORKED EXAMPLE

    Actions

    Action Description
    1 Review the Operational Plan
    2 Compile a list of all equipment required for the project.
    3 Record the equipment in the Equipment List section of the Operational Plan.
    4 Review the Biosecurity Plan and identify the equipment required. Record the equipment in the Equipment List section of the Operational Plan.
    5 Review the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan and identify the equipment required. Record the equipment in the Equipment List section of the Operational Plan.
    6 Identify the source of each piece of equipment.

    At the end of this step: The Equipment List section of the Operational Plan is complete.

    STEP 4.13 Plan the Operation Task Schedule

    Purpose To record all the major tasks, timing and responsibilities of the project, the monitoring and biosecurity activities.
    Useful Tools
      • Operational Plan TEMPLATE
      • Operational Plan WORKED EXAMPLE
      • Guidelines for Project Managers

    Actions

    Action Description
    1 Identify the major tasks, timing and responsibilities of the eradication operation by reviewing the:
    • Operational Plan
    • Feasibility Study Report
    • Project Plan.
    2 Review the Task Schedule in the Operational Plan and ensure it includes all the major tasks required to complete the eradication operation.
    Note: Ensure the timing and who is responsible for each task is recorded.
    3 Review the Biosecurity Plan and identify the key activities. Record the activities in the Task Schedule section of the Operational Plan.
    4 Review the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan and identify the key activities. Record the activities in the Task Schedule section of the Operational Plan.
    At the end of this step: The Task Schedule section of the Operational Plan is complete.

    STEP 4.14 Decide the Eradication Operation Team

    Purpose To decide the key responsibilities of the eradication operation team.
    Useful Tools
      • Operational Plan TEMPLATE
      • Operational Plan WORKED EXAMPLE

    Actions

    Action Description
    1 Identify who will be in the eradication operation team.
    2 Record the members of the eradication operation team and their roles and responsibilities in the Operational Team section of the Operational Plan.
    3 Identify any training the team will require. Record associated training tasks in the Task Schedule.

    At the end of this step:

    • The Operational Team section of the Operational Plan is complete
    • The Task Schedule section of the Operational Plan includes any training


    STEP 4.15 Complete the Operational Plan

    Purpose To complete writing the Operational Plan.
    Timing Note Depending on the reviewer’s comments you may need to have the Operational Plan reviewed more than once before it is complete.
    Useful Tools
    • Operational Plan TEMPLATE
    • Operational Plan WORKED EXAMPLE

    Actions

    Action Description
    1 Write the Introduction and Executive Summary sections of the Operational Plan.
    2 Write the Goal, Objectives and Outcomes section of the Operational Plan.
    3 Record all documents used and referred to while preparing the Operational Plan, in the References section.
    4 Review all sections of the Operational Plan to ensure it is complete.
    5 Have the Operational Plan reviewed by independent technical advisors.
    6 Update the Operational Plan to reflect reviewer’s feedback.

    At the end of this step: The independently-reviewed Operational Plan is complete.

    STEP 4.16 Inform the Stakeholders

    Purpose To notify stakeholders of what has been decided for the Operational Plan, Biosecurity Plan and the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan.
    Useful Tools
    • Guidelines on Stakeholder Engagement

    Actions

    Action Description
    1 Review the Stakeholder Engagement section in the Operational Plan to confirm how you plan to communicate with each group of stakeholders.
    2 Communicate as planned, providing copies of the Operational Plan (as required).

    At the end of this step: Stakeholders have been informed of the outcomes of the Operational Planning Stage.