Institute of Public Administration Australia (ACT) Limited

Daniel Patterson has always been keen to do good for Canberra’s communities – and their backyards. On this episode of Public Sector Unearthed, the horticulture expert and passionate public servant tells us the story of Canberra’s innovative European Wasp control program.

Daniel shares how his team manages European wasps in the ACT by focusing on eco-friendly, preventative measures. He talks us through how the program evolved through using new luring techniques and focusing on preventative, rather than reactive approaches for trapping queen wasps to reduce the wasp population.

The program became a standout initiative in public safety and environmental management, earning the 2023 IPAA ACT Spirit of Service Awards in the ‘Breakthrough’ category.

This episode’s Unearthed wisdom: Pest control is crucial to keeping local species and communities safe and thriving.