One of the key outcomes of the Strategy has been the formal recognition that weeds can be managed at several different levels. Some species can be effectively managed on an individual basis, whilst others require coordinated action at the community, catchment, state or national level. Nationally significant species are those that:
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threaten the profitability or sustainability of Australia’s principal primary industries
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threaten conservation areas or environmental resources of national significance
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require remedial action across several States and Territories.
Considering the current and potential economic, environmental and cultural impacts of the worst weed species in Australia, 20 species were formally recognised and listed as Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) on June 1 1999 by the Minister for Forestry and Conservation, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and the Minster for the Environment (see Table 1).
Linked to each of these species is a national management strategy that has been developed and approved by an appointed committee of relevant land managers, land owners and industry representatives. These strategies aim to protect Australia from the adverse impacts of the particular species, restore infested natural habitats and productive lands through integrated and cost effective research, planning and implementation of on-ground control works. All States and Territories support the implementation of these strategies, and where appropriate, host their appointed coordinators. The NT for example hosts the National Coordinator for the Mimosa and Athel pine management strategies.
Table 1 The Weeds of National Significance
Alligator weed
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Alternanthera philoxeriodes
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Athel pine
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Tamarisk aphylla
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Bitou bush/Boneseed
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Chrysanthemoides monilifera (sub sp)
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Blackberry
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Rubus fruticosus aggregate
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Bridal creeper
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Asparagus asparagoides
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Cabomba
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Cabomba caroliniana
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Chilean needle grass
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Nassella neesiana
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Gorse
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Ulex europaeus
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Hymenachne
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Hymenache amplexicaulis
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Lantana
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Lantana camara
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Mesquite
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Prosopis spp
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Mimosa
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Mimosa pigra
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Parkinsonia
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Parkinsonia aculeata
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Parthenium
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Parthenium hysterophorus
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Pond apple
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Anona glabra
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Prickly acacia
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Acacia nilotica
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Rubber vine
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Cryptostegia grandiflora
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Salvinia
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Salvinia molesta
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Serrated tussock
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Nassella trichotoma
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Willow
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Salix spp
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Taking the example of the WoNS listed species mimosa (Mimosa pigra), (an NT priority species and also a regional priority species), we see that the national management strategy has 4 key components/programs.
Objectives/activities | -
foster effective communication with stakeholders
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develop community support and understanding of issues
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develop and distribute appropriate information
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support other programs
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Program 2 Prevention of spread
Program 3 Research and development Objectives/activities | -
increase knowledge of mimosa biology and ecology and ‘at risk’ habitat ecology
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develop and implement biocontrol programs
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develop and implement integrated control programs
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develop and implement sustainable land management programs
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Objectives/activities | -
reduce incidence and adverse impacts in established areas through coordinated catchment management approach using most up to date methodologies and tools
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