Regional weed management priorities for the conservation of biodiversity

The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) and NSW Department of Primary Industries are currently working with the 13 CMAs in NSW to develop regional weed priorities for biodiversity conservation. These priorities will be consistent with the goals of the recently released NSW Invasive Species Plan, NSW Natural Resource Commission (NRC) targets and the Australian Weeds Strategy. The process developed allows for an efficient use of resources, by prioritising sites for weed control across all land tenure based on the biodiversity conservation outcome. This site-led approach strategically addresses the need for management of widespread weeds for biodiversity conservation, as opposed to weed-led approaches that are aimed at eradicating or containing emerging threats or preventing new incursions.

The project has been completed in most catchment and draft priority lists (weeds, sites and biodiversity at risk) have already been developed for several of the CMAs. These lists are based on extensive stakeholder consultation and existing CMA projects or investments that identify priority weeds and biodiversity. An interim report has been provided to all 13 CMAs. The final lists of priority sites, weeds and biodiversity at risk for each CMA will be used to help guide investment until 2015.

For more information on this project including background information and the process has been established visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/CMAweeds. From this site you can also navigate to CMA specific pages to view the current status of the project and outcomes for each CMA.

For more information contact Leonie Whiffen at weeds.cma@environment.nsw.gov.au.

Weed Risk Management System

As of July 2010, all new weed declarations will be subject to assessment using the New South Wales Weed Risk Management (WRM) System.

This system, developed by NSW Department of Primary Industries, is consistent with the National Post-Border Weed Risk Management Protocol. It provides a standard, nationally accepted and transparent process to help make decisions not only about declaration, but also the introduction and prioritisation of weed species.

The WRM system is available for viewing and downloading. Assessments of a number of weeds are also available.

For more information contact Dr Stephen Johnson, Weed Ecologist (Orange) on (02) 6391 3146 or email stephen.johnson@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Weed risk assessment of tradeable aquatic plant species

This project aims to identify and undertake risk assessment of aquatic plants and develop a list of high risk plants to be considered for declaration. A purpose built testing facility has been established where aquatic plants will be grown for risk assessment and information validation purposes. This is done using specialised aquatic weed risk assessment models. The information will be used to guide future aquatic plant declarations nationally and engage the aquarium industry in implementing codes of practice like bans from sale.

For more information contact Rod Ensbey, Invasive Species Officer (Grafton) on (02) 6640 1648 or email rod.ensbey@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Lantana review

This review examines the basic biology and management of all Lantana species in NSW.

Two species of Lantana have naturalised in NSW, these being L. camara (lantana), and L. montevidensis (creeping lantana). Both Lantana species invade pastures, a wide range of natural ecosystems, forestry and plantation crops, as well as other areas reducing plant and animal biomass, abundance and biodiversity, generally causing livestock toxicity if eaten, often preventing regeneration of natural areas, and affecting tourism, recreational and aesthetic values. Lantana camara is a Weed of National Significance and has been banned from trade and distribution in all states and territories in Australia.

Management of both Lantana species is difficult with integrated control programs needed including preventative, chemical, mechanical and biological measures while fire, ploughing, hand pulling, revegetation and grazing management are useful tools.

For more information contact Dr Stephen Johnson, Weed Ecologist (Orange) on (02) 6391 3146 or email stephen.johnson@industry.nsw.gov.au

Blackberry review

This review covers the naturalisation and declaration of blackberries in NSW.

Around 23 exotic species of Rubus have been recognised as being introduced into Australia and at least 15 of these species belong to the species aggregate Rubus fruticosus. Species within this aggregate are recognised as important weeds of agriculture, forestry and natural ecosystems and are hence declared noxious in NSW. Many of these same species are used in breeding programs for blackberry cultivars for commercial production.

A number of Rubus species show some degree of naturalisation in both Australia, and indeed in NSW. In addition, hybridisation between weedy and cultivated Rubus species occurs. Commercial hybrid cultivars that contain genetic material from the Rubus fruticosus species aggregate have been, effectively, banned from sale, propagation and knowing distribution, including sale of the fruit, for many years under consecutive weeds legislation.

The review recommended exclusions of commercial blackberry cultivars and the development of an industry code of practice to reduce any naturalisation and hybridisation from commercial plantings should further expansion of commercial blackberry industry occur.

For more information contact Dr Stephen Johnson, Weed Ecologist (Orange) on (02) 6391 3146 or email stephen.johnson@dpi.nsw.gov.au