COMMUNITY GRANTS
PREVENTING AND MANAGING WEEDS
Weeds are an increasing threat to the Northern Territory’s natural,
economic and cultural assets despite considerable time, effort and
investment in weed management.
They compete with, and often displace native species and they contribute to land degradation, loss of biodiversity and adversely impact agricultural activity.
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Within the Northern Territory, 17 weed species are recognised as 'Weeds of National Significance' (WoNS). These include Olive
GOAL
Within ten years all regions in the NT have coordinated approaches to weeds resulting in the prevention of the introduction of new weeds as well as the spread of current weeds.
Hymenachne, Athel Pine and Bellyache Bush, as well as Mimosa and ‘prickle bushes’ (Parkinsonia, Prickly Acacia and Mesquite). Gamba Grass has also been classified as a ‘key threatening process’ to biodiversity conservation.
Grassy weeds such as Gamba Grass change the environment by out-competing native plants, increasing fire hazards and preventing native vegetation from growing back after fire, clearing or other disturbances. The cheapest and most effective option is to prevent weeds from becoming established before they cause significant loss to environmental values or agricultural production, and not only become expensive, but often impossible, to eradicate. Effective weed management requires good information about identifying weeds, and knowing where they occur and the best methods for controlling them. Also, weed management approaches must be coordinated and strategic involving collaboration and support from all landholders in the catchment.
WHAT WE NEED TO DO
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Implement the Northern Territory Government Weed Plan Preventing Weed Spread is Everybody’s Business focusing on a collective approach to mitigating weed impacts through spread prevention and strategic control.
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Facilitate collaborative approaches to weed
management through improved partnerships,
information sharing and collaboration from government, councils, rangers, pastoralists and researchers. -
Secure resources to support innovation and the uptake of new technology for weed detection and control.
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Improve monitoring and research, capacity including the utilisation of data via: the provision of training; communication products; and extension services to increase the management effectiveness and improve adaptive management approaches.
HOW WE MEASURE SUCCESS
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Evaluate the distribution and density of WoNS within the NT
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Assess the number of groups/inividuals involved in weed spread prevention.
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Determine the availability of communication materials for stakeholders.
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Evaluate the extent to which of weed distribution data is being utilised by natural resource managers.
REGIONAL WEEDS PLANS
There is a different emphasis relevant to its people, environments and industries for the four major regions in the Northern Territory.
Click on your region to see your regional weeds plan: