Weeds in Australia

Grants and Government

Roles and responsibilities

The primary responsibility for weed management rests with landholders/land managers. Collective action is necessary where the problem is beyond the capacity of the individual landholder/land manager to address.

Successful weed management requires a coordinated national approach which involves all levels of government in establishing appropriate legislative, educational and coordination frameworks and programmes in partnership with regional organisations, industry, research organisations, landholders and the community.

It is the responsibility of each jurisdiction (Australian Government, state and territory governments) to administer their respective legislation, and the responsibility of every land manager or individual to be aware of legislation that may impact upon them, and to act in accordance with this legislation.

Australian Government

Under the Australian federal system of government, primary legislative and policy responsibility for natural resource management, including weed management, lies with the individual state and territory governments. The Australian Government provides national policy leadership and direction, working with state and territory governments through the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council.

The Australian Government is responsible for international border protection, including regulating the import and export of plant material. The Australian Government manages Commonwealth lands, such as defence establishments and Commonwealth national parks.

The Australian Government also, in cooperation with other governments and landowners, administers legislation, policies, programmes and associated activities to manage weeds at the national level.

Two Australian Government departments are primarily responsible for weed issues:

DAFF and DEWHA jointly manage the $44.4 million Defeating the Weed Menace (DWM) programme, with the guidance of the National Weeds Advisory Group.

DAFF and DEWHA also jointly manage the Australian Government's $3.1 billion Natural Heritage Trust and the $1.4 billion National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP). Both DWM and the Natural Heritage Trust/NAP contribute substantial funding for weed management activities in Australia.

DAFF and DEWHA also help to identify, coordinate and resolve weed issues at the national level through membership on the Australian Weeds Committee (AWC), and through the implementation of the Australian Weeds Strategy. Two significant examples of AWC activities to which the Australian Government has an ongoing contribution are the Weeds of National Significance (WONS) programme, and the National Cost Sharing Eradication programmes.

States and Territories

State and territory governments encourage responsible weed management through regulation, developing and implementing effective policies and programmes, such as research and awareness and educational activities, and providing positive support through financial incentives and assistance schemes as well as appropriate standards and regulations.

They are also responsible for managing weeds on state and territory public lands, which constitute more than 25 per cent of the area of some states and territories.

State and territory governments regulate the spread and control of targeted weed species, and assign responsibilities for control.

Regional organisations

Since 2000, Australian governments have been working together to develop a region-based approach to identify and act on priority natural resource management issues. The regional-delivery approach is implemented under the Natural Heritage Trust and the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality. This has led to the establishment of 56 natural resource management regions covering all of Australia.

Natural resource management regional bodies participate in planning, coordinating and monitoring weed management as part of broader natural resource management programmes. In some states, natural resource management bodies implement regulatory programmes.

Each natural resource management region  has developed a plan that uses local knowledge and the best available science to guide prioritised action to improve natural resource management on a regional scale. The plans consider the environmental, social and economic impacts of natural resource decisions in which stakeholders will invest to achieve targets and ensure the best outcomes.

Local government

Local governments have a role in managing weed problems on their own land, and support weed management through activities such as the development of local weed strategies and community weed management programmes. In some states, local governments are responsible for planning, coordinating and monitoring noxious weed control.

Your local government may be the most useful source for information on what weeds are problems in your area. Please contact your local government or check their website for information on local weed issues or weed management responsibilities in your area.

Industry

Weeds have a major economic impact on industries such as agriculture, livestock, forestry, horticulture, nursery, landscaping, fishing, aquaculture, transport and tourism. Many industries are now taking the initiative in promoting policies, guidelines, standards and activities to manage weeds, detect new weeds and prevent the spread of weeds. Industry organisations can play an important role in assisting their members to understand the weed problem and to implement best practices for controlling and minimising weed spread.

Research and development organisations

Strong input from research and development organisations is essential to ensure that solutions are tailored to Australia's unique weed problems. Australia has a weeds research base that covers areas such as risk assessment, biological controls, impact quantification and new control techniques. Research into weeds is being undertaken and financed by all levels of government, tertiary education institutions, industry bodies and private companies.

The Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Australian Weed Management  is working to reduce the risks posed by current and new weed incursions through programmes in research, education and information delivery across Australia. The CRC is funded by the Australian Government to the end of June 2008 with matching contributions (in cash and/or in-kind contributions) from CRC participants.

In addition, several other Australian Government agencies conduct or fund research into weed management, including the CSIRO  and Land Water Australia .

Communities and individuals

There are over 4000 community-based groups in Australia, including Landcare , Coastcare  and 'Friends of' groups that are strategically combating weed problems and many undertake coordinated activities to address priority issues.

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