The Northern Territory Weeds Management Strategy .

1996 - 2005

February, 1996

aVU .. . ~ Northern Tenitory Government

ISBN: 07245 16999

First printed in Australia 1996

Copyright 1996 Northern Territory Government

Printed on 100% recycled post consumer waste paper by the Government Printer oj the Northern Territory

Publication Coordination: Leslee Hills, DPIF Education Officer.

Illustrations: Simon Love Terry Knight

Design and Production: DigiFilm Australia (08) 89 85 4078

This Strategy has been developed in consultation with industry and the public by officers oj the:

Weeds Branch, Department oj Primary Industry and Fisheries, Berrimah Farm, PO Box 79, Berrimah, N. T. 0828

Telephone (08) 89 99 2287 FaCSimile (08) 89 99 2049

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FOREWORD

Pastoralism, Aboriginal lands, tourism, mining, recreation, horticulture and conservation all use the exciting range of land and water resources of the Northern Territory to· support our diStinctive lifestyle. Furthermore, our lands and waters offer potential for further uses that build on what we have achieved so far. Yet; increasingly, we realise that weeds represent a major threat to these present and potential uses. In order to

. achieve Ecologically Sustainable Development, such. degradation must be countered; cohesively and decisively ...

Landholders have prime responsibility for management of the land and, therefore, management of weeds rests with them. The Northern Territory Governinent also recognises its Tolesln continuing to provide advice, research and various forms of assistance. Individual landholders, community and industry groups, and the Northern Territory Governmenthave all contributed to produce this Northern Territory Weeds· Management Strategy; which provides a framework fo1' all our efforts to combat weeds over the decade 1996-2005.

The Strategy contains key elements that are fundamental to our success. Preventing weed problems is vastly preferable to trying to combat them once they have been introduced, become established and spread. Dealing with weeds must not be a separate exercise

. but, rather, should be part of all aspects of managing land and water. In addition, we need to know more about the complexities of land use, especially multiple land uses, and weeds. Community members also want to be better informed about weed problems and their management. Supported by appropriate legislation, these components represent the way ahead.

By working together within this framework I am confident that landholders and government can protect our community, industries and environment from the adverse impact of weeds. .

MICK PALMER . Minister for Primary Industry & Fisheries June 1996

.NORTHERN TERRITORY WEEDS MANAGEMENT STRATEGY'

Goal of this Strategy

Introduction

Overview

1996 - 2005

CONTENTS

Page .2

3 4 5 7 8 9

Principles of weeds management

Weeds in the Northern Territory The National Context Ecologically Sustainable Development

The Six Objectives

10 'Preventing Introduction and Spread

14 Ensuring Weeds Management is an Integral part of Land Management

19 Learning more about Weeds in the Territory as an EssentialBasis for Land Management

22 Increasing Public Awareness and Education

24 Providing Appropriate Legislation for Weeds Management

,26 Reviewing Progress in Weeds Management

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oal of this Strategy

To protect the Northern Territory economy, community, industries and environment from the adverse impacts of weeds.

The Goal will be achieved by:

Northern Territory Weeds Managem~nt Strategy

1.

2.

3.

Preventing Introduction and Spread of Weeds·

Ensuring Weeds Management is .an Integral Part of Land Management

. Learning More About Weeds in the Territory as an Essential Basis for Land Management

4. Increasing Public Awareness and Education

5. ProViding Appropriate Legislation for Weed Management

6. ReViewing Progress in Weed Management

These are the Six Objectives of the Strategy.

1996 - 2005 February 1996

1

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Principles of Weeds Management supporting this Strategy

The Strategy recognises that it is vital for the' 5. Territory to enhance or maintain its status of being relatively free of serious weed problems. This status

Weed mallageme~t requires a,continuous, long term commitment ..

is becoming increasingly more difficult to preserve. 6. Accordingly, implementation of the Strategy is vital

The integration of control methods including physical, chemical, ecological and biological can achieve best weed management. and will be supported by several well-established

Weed Management Principles.

1. L~dholders and hmd users are responsible for weed management.

2. Weed management is an integral part ofa:n land management. .

3. Preventing initial introduction and spread is the best and cheapest form of weed management.

4. When introduction does occur, early detection followed by swift action is the essence of successful weed management.

7. ,Cooperative we~d management amongst landholders and land users on a catchment basis is recommended and supported.

8. Co-ordination between government agenCies and landholders is necessary to establish,the research, educational and legislative framework required for successful weed management.

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Introduction

Parkinsoma (Pa-rkinsonia aculeata) is a tree to 6m. with long needle­sharp thorns and yellow flowers. It forms dense thickets.

What is a Weed?

A plant's status as a weed largely depends upon where it is and what use is made of that place. For example. native grasses become weeds when an area' is developed to grow crops. That is; the'use of the land changes. Yet. in undeveloped bush areas the. n'ative grasses remain as valuable members of the ecosystem. Similarly. the- native Cratalaria retusa does not affect native animals but it can be poisonous to horses. In another example. introduced pasture species were planted on some stations to the east of Darwin to raise livestock. Those' stations were resumed to become part of . Kakadu National Park and under this different form of land use. those species are regarded as weeds -weeds of copseryation or environmental weeds. In the rangelands. parkinsonia was introduced and planted around bores and dams for shade but is now declared as a noxious weed.

The word 'weed' is widely and frequently used in everyday and scientific terms. Weeds occur in all sorts of places .. As such. the term 'weed~ lacks precision. Yet. an understanding of what weeds are is essential in order to know how to deal with them.

A weed has been defined in many ways. the most common' being:

1. A weed is a plant growing out of place.

2. . A weed is a plant growing where it is not desired - a plant that is useless. unwanted and undesirable.

(

3. A weed is a plant that interferes With people or their. area of interest.

4. A weed is a plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.

Since no plant is utterly useless at anyone time. a weed ,can also be defmedas a plant whose potentials for damage outweigh its potentials for usefulness.

Page 4 Northern Territory Weeds Management Strategy 1996 - 2005 February 1996

WHAT IS A WEED? The draJt National Weeds Strategy (1995) states that a weed is 'a plant which has, or has the potential to have, a detrimental effect on economic, social or conservation values.' With particular reference to the last aspect, conservation .. the draft National Weeds Strategy defines environmental Weeds. These have less direct impacts on humans but are detrimental to the conservation of natural resources through adverse effects on the integrity, conservation values or biodiversity of natural.resources. Accordingly, the long term impacts degrade the human ecosystem.

Frequently, woody plants are mentioned as weeds. These are shrub or tree species of indigenous or exotic origin which are capable of lowering the productivity and efficiency of pastoral properties and/or impairing theenvitonment of resident native

. flora and fauna so as to adversely influence species diversity.

This brief discussion does not resolve how to define a weed precisely blit it does show how complex the concept is. Part of this complexity involves the differences betwee.n agricultural weeds and environmental weeds. It also indicates the enormous challenge of weed control in Australia. In a recent survey by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource .Economics pastoralists throughout Australia recognised woody weeds as the most serious form of land degradation confronting them and they saw the problem to be increasing in importance. Clearly, concerted efforts by all stakeholders are required to alleviate weed problems. .

Weeds in the Northem . Terr.tory

.

Weeds are a cause and a symptom of environmental change.

They threaten the sustainability of natural systems and industry, and increase costs to the community . Weeds compete with desirable plants for light, moisture and. nutrients. They can harbour pests and diseases, be injurious, pOisonous or cause allergic reactions, taint meat, contaminate

. agricultural and horticultural produce and foul natural. resources such as rivers and waterholes. Weeds can disrupt Aborigin81lifestyles and cultural pursuits and reduce the aesthetic, amenity and real. estate values of land. They threaten species diVersity, habitat availability, and influence burning regimes; increase the maintenance requirements of infrastructure such as roads,

. pipelines, power lines, domestic water supplies and drainage works; and are also a nuisance in residential and urban situations.

Prickly,acacia (Acacia nilotica) is a large thorny shrub to 7m or more. n infests over 6.5 million ha in Qld but only around 600ha in the NT have succumbed to date.

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Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) is a fern which floats freely in fresh water. This South American native was probably introduced as an aquarium plant. First seen in the NT in 197.6 it is now. established at. a few locations in the Top End ..

Infested dams, billabongs and waterways rapidly become useless. for all productive purposes.

Weeds constitute a" threat to .. the· sustainability of primary industries of the Northern Territory through increase,d costs, reduced efficiency of production and limitations on marketing. , They also threaten water resources, freshwater. fishing, public recreation, tourism, traditional hunting, ceremonies, 'foraging and conservation of the environment.- in fact, all the Territory's natural resources and the current· and potential uses of them. Tourism and recreational activities are contributing more' to the Territory economy. TJ;1e increased movements of people threaten to introduce and spread weeds to spoil new areas .and the unique experiences of the naturfil. landscape that are available.

The Northern Territory Noxious Weeds Act (1962)' lists 65 noxious' species and genera. Most of these

species have been introduced to Australia, lack natural predators and have a proven ability to

'spread. Other plants have inherent characteristics that make them potential weeds.

The Nor.thern Territory covers an area of 1,346,200 square ki1ometres, one sixth of the area of Australia. Broadly, the major land users.in the Territory are primary producers and Aboriginal people and, in

. certain locations, mining, tourism, national parks, recreation aIld urban land uses predominate .. The population of some 170,000 represents less than 1 % of the country's total.

But it does not necessarily follo~ that due to the low.human population, weed problems will be less significant. In fact, the opposite may be true due to the lack of human and financial resources for control, combined with relatively low intensity land use, giving weeds the opportunity to get out of 'control on a large scale. The proximity of the Territory to Asia poses a risk for new weeds to Australia.

In comparison to other areas of Australia, the' Territory has relatively few widespread weed problems .. Some of the weeds that do occur are of

. major importilnce. Characteristics of the environment, land use and demography in the Northern Territory can assist in the rapid growth ,and spread of weeds. Warm temperatures, seasonally abundant mOisture, annual flooding, perennial waterways in some regions and high velocity winds occur. Lack of intensive management means that domestic, feral and native animals can

Page 6 Northern Territory Weeds Management Strategy 1996 - 2005 February 1996

carry weeds over large areas and few personnel are. The National Context available to watch for and to control weeds.

The maI).agement of weeds, therefore, has special significance to the sustainabilityof industries, protection of the environment, and to community welfare in the Northern Territory. ConSiderable·

. input by landholders, industry, government, and the wider community is required and justified.

The Northern Territory's first weeds strategy was develop~d in 1982 as "Weeds in the Northern Territory: Current Situation and Future Directions". The present document advances a revised strategy for dealing with weeds in the Northern Territory, It provides a framework for cooperative management of them across the various.regions, economic sectors and community groups of the Territory.

Aboriginal people form a major group of land users In the NT. The value of their -land for cultural, pastoral, recreation and tourism actiVities is directly threatened' by the spread of weeds.

Throughout Australia, awareness about sustainahility and enVironmental issues has increased 8.:lllongst governments, landholders and other members of the community. Evidence of this increase is readily available through. the formulation of various 1I1ternational, national and Territory strategies, programs and agreements, some of which are complete whilst others are still being developed.

For example these include:

Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) . The Draft National Weeds Strategy 1995 The Decade of Landcare Plans (Commonwealth and Northern Territory) Intergovernmental Agreement on the Environment National and Northern Territory Conservation Strategies. National Strategy for Conservation of Australia's Biological DiVersity National and Territory Water QUality Management Strategies Greenhouse Strategy for the Northern Territory

Carmenta -(Car-menta mimosa) is a wasp-like moth whose larvae bore through the thick stems of "mimosa. It was released in late 1989. and is likely to be a useful biological weapon.

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ECOLOGICALLY'SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Definition: Ecologically Sustainable Development means using, conserving and enhancing the Community's resources so that the ecological processes on whtch life depends are maintained, and the total quality of life, now and inthefuture, can be increased. , ,

Goal:

To ensure that development improves the total quality of life, both now and ,in thefuture, in a way that maintains the ecological processes on which life depends.

Core Objectives:

1. to enhance individual and community well-being and weifare byfollowtng a path of economic development that safeguards the welfare offuture generations

2. to providefor equity within and between generations 3. to protect biological diversity and maintain essential ecological processes and life-support

systems ,

,

Calligrapha pantherina is a brown beetle which becomes bright green on maturity. It was introduced to the NT in 1989 for the control of spinyhead slda' (Sida acuta). Its success has been variable.

The recognition of these components of the national context in the development -of Territory strategies demonstrates the Territory's commitment to fulfil its obligations. It also recognizes the soundness of strategiC approaches to management and sustainable use of natural resources. In the preparation of this Weeds Strategy particular attention has been paid to the National Weeds Strategy. By focussing on these components. the strategy seeks to achieve -a sound- approach to all ' weeds management -of Territory lands and waters.

Northern Territory Weeds Management Strategy 1996 - 2005 February 1996

• VerVleW

The Northern Territory Weeds Management Strategy has two main components:

a clear, cO'ncise goal:

To protect the Northern Territory economy, community,industJ::ies and environment from the adverse impacts of weeds

a set O'J six strategiC O'bjectives as a basis JO'r effective actiO'n, to'· be planned and implemented tO'wards achieving the gO'al:

1. PreventingIntroduction and Spread 2. Ensuring Weeds Management is an

. Integral· Part of Land Management 3. Learning More About Weeds in the

Territory as an Essentilil Basis for Land , management

4. Increasing Public Awareness. and Education . 5. Providing Appropriate Legislation for

Weed Management 6. Reviewing Progress in, Weed Management

These O'bjectives prO'vide ~ framework for the Territory's Weeds Sti:ategy. From it, individual landholders" industry and community grO'upS, government agencies and cO'mbinations of these can develop their own programs and action plans according to the types of weeds and the types of land resources being managed. They can then identify the levels of resources needed to fulfil the strategy. (In some cases the ac­tions flow directly from the National Weeds Strategy).

The specific strategic objectives, notes and actions follow.

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Preventing Introduction and Spread

To prevent the introduction arid spread of ,weeds within, into andfrom the Northern Territory through the following actions:

~ ,

{iJ appropriate quarantine measures;, (a) adoption of standards of hygiene by landholders. landusers' and tourists; (iii) , early detection and eradication of satelli,te outbreaks; (iv) complementary regulatory support.

This component of the strategy focuses on prevent-, ing further' introductions of weeds that are already in the Territory and on the potential introduction from overseas or intersta~e of others that do not already occur here. It also includes the spread of weeds from orie part of the Territory to' another. Increasing movements of produce, products and people within, into and out of the Territory provide

• more opportunities for this to happen.

Current .international quarantine measures seek to prevent introductions of known weeds from over­seas. Little is done on State boundaries except in Western Australia. This strategy recognises the . importance of close surveillance of the Territory's· coast and borders.

Increasingly we will need to improve our knowledge . of potential introductions in their current habitats through collaboration with specialists in neighbour­ing cmmtries' and States.

Concerted efforts are required to educate Territorians to insision weed-free status before they accept delivery oflivestock, crop and pasture seeds, plants, hay,. fodcj.er, machinery, equipment, soil, gravel and so on.from overseas, interstate and else­wherein the Territory.

Similarly, quality control must increase in importance as an everyday practice.to ensure that only weed-free .livestock, crop and pasture seeds,

Northern Territory Weeds Management Strategy 1996 - 2005 February 1996

plants, hay, fodder, machinery, equipment and so on are exported overseas or sent interstate or to, other parts of the Territory.

Cooperation with interstate authorities and Territory , landholders will help to develop stronger regulatory , provisions to' support the voluntary management practices that are preferred.

One example is the proposed National Rubber Vine Buffer Zone. This involves eradication and active control in zones in Queensland to prevent the spread of this nationally Significant weed into the Territory. In other cases, regulatory powers will be used where weed-free standards are not accepted voluntarily.

Tourism, recreation and mining exploration throughout the Territory provide other means of spreading weeds. Visitation and holiday areas must continue to be kept weedJree. More education needs to be provided for tourists and members of the local community to accept their role,in keeping vehicles, caravans, boats, camping eqUipment and clothes weed-free. Also the tourist and mining industries, as users of the Territory's natural resources, must accept appropriate responsibility for weed management.

Disturbance of the land assists the establishment of weeds. Thus, the potential for this to happen must be recognised and measures planned and implemented to minimise it in new urban and rural

Indonesia

Starn weed threat

Rubber v(nethreat ,

Papua N,ew Guinea

Starn weed aZreadypreseitt , at Tully, N. Qld.

Major threats to the NT from Siam Weed (Chromolaena odorata) and Rubber vine (Cryptostegiagrandiflora)

developments and the construction and' maintenance of transport ,and utilities infrastructure such as roads, powerlines and pipelines. Similar chcumstances apply to established and ,new mines.

Page 11

Slam weed. or Christmas bush (Chromolaena odorata) was recently recorded In. Queensland.

Protocols for Territory responses to the detection of new introductions ·of pests. ,pathogens and weeds are being developed. This strategy supports such protocols and will require that they become ac­imowledged,practicesfor preventing the establish­·meiit and spread 'of weeds. Nationally. a review of protocols for the introduction of new plant species into Australia is under way. One criterion is the potential for weediness of proposed introductions' as a way of reducing future weed outbreaks in Australia. Once plants are introduced. manage­ment'efforts must be directed. towards preventing them from having adverse impacts elsewhere in the environment.

Many of the environmental weeds in the Ten:itory have' been introduced because they. are potentially valuable plants in pastoral. agricultural orhorti­cultural industries and in home gardens. This strategy endorses the ,national review of protocols for plant ·introduction screening. In addition. it is , important to prevent the spread of those species already present into areas under different land use. Landholders have a responsibility to prevent spread from their properties. and Government agencies must adopt a responsible approach to ,the promo­tion of invasive species in those areas containing ecosystems which are sensitive to invasion.

PREVENTING INTRODUCTION AND SPREAD­

ACTIONS

Territorians will need :

1. To insist on weed-free status before they accept delivery of livestock. crop and pasture seeds. plants. hay. fodder. machinery and eqUipment. etc. from overseas. interstate and elsewhere in the TerritQry ..

2. To ensure weed-free status before they .dispatch livestock. crop and pasture seeds. agricultural produce. hay. fodder. machinery. eqUipment. etc to elsewhere in. the Territory. interstate and overseas.

3.. To report suspected weed outbreaks to the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries as soon as possible.

Page 12 Northern Territory Weeds' Management Strategy 1996 - 2005 February 1996

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The Northern Territory GovernlJ}ent will need:

4.

5.

To finalise and adopt a protocol for rapid respon~e to detected outbreaks of new introduced weeds.

To continue to cooperate with the Common­wealth government. State governments. local governments .. community groups and individuals to restrict the spread of weeds and to achieve eradication where practicable.

8. •

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. . To-continue survfillance ~f and r;esearch lnto known and· potential weeds in their curreRt • 1iabitats in other countries. • 4 ..

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To contain and commence' eradication of, Mimosa pigra at its known western limit,on the Daly River/port Keats Land Trust. as .recommended in the National Weeds Strategy.

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The Australian and Territory Governments will need to work together:

10. To support proposed action on prickly acacia under the National Weeds Strategy.

6.

7.

To support the implementation and monitor- 11. ing of the national n~bber vine buffer zone in Queensland. under the National Weeds Strategy.

To continue surveillance for weeds under the . North Australian Quarantine Strategy.

12.

To continue and strengthen quarantine protocols and surveillance of entry of plant material from overseas.

To strengthen quarantine protocols for assesslng potential for weediness of all proposed new plant imports.

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Ensuring Weeds Management is an Integral Part of Land Management

Part. A .

To increase integration of the planning, implementation and monitoring of weed management in regions, catchments and individual land holdings. through co-operation amongst groups of landholders, other members of .the community and government.

With an. area as large as the Northern Territory, considerable diversity of landforms, soil types, climate and ecosystems occur. Various attempts have been made, or are now being made, to identify different biogeographic or· agroecological regions within . the Territory. The intrinsic characteristics of these regions lead to different current. and potentla( . occurrences of weeds.·, ,These

. characteristics also lead. to various forms of land use and to a range. of management methods.

Effective weed management must be long term. There is no alternative to this. Weed management is a component of sustainable land management by individual landholders and the community. But the causes, occurrences and methods of

management of weeds can extend beyond individual landholdings, especially in catchments and regions of multiple land use. In these circumstances, co­operation amongst landholders, other members of the community and government is required in the planning, implementation and monitoring of weed management. " Wherever possible existing groups of landholders will be encouraged to include weed management in their agenda, if it is not already. )n other cases the <formation of new groups, such as Landcare groups, will be encouraged and assisted. In summary; the need will continue for conventional methods of weed control and eradication but .the way ahead lies with increased emphasis on weed 'management as part of active land management by all landholders. . '

Northern Territory Weeds Management Strategy 1996 - 2005 February 1996

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Part B

To focus special attention on the management of the Territory's water resources to keep them free of weeds and to minimise their· role' in spreading weeds, .

Overall, water is a valuable resource in the Territory. In the north, heavy wet season rainfall leads to flooding ·of wetlands by permanent rivers. These river systems allow multiple forms of land use which, separately and together, can be affected by weeds.

. A well-known example is Mimosa pigra. The rivers themselves can be invaded by weeds (e.g., salvinia and water hyacinth) and, in addition; the rivers and their associated seasonal flooding'can spread weeds. Further inland rivers are ephemeral but these too can be affected by weeds like Athel pine, in the Finke River system. In these drier areas, permanent waters and artificial watering pOints like hores ,and dams are key places for the introduction and spread

of weeds by native wildlife, t'erai ariimals and !l.vestock. " Thus, a special fdcus will be on keeping , the Territory's waters free of weeds and on using integrated catchment management . to minimise their role as a vehicle for spreadmg weeds. '

The Northern Territory Water Quality Management Strategyprovide$ a planning proce$s which identifies BenefiCial Uses (Envrronmental Values), derived through community consultation, as a basis for the development of water quality plans. Should a water weed problem conflict with the objectives of benefiCial use the water management plan should include eradication or control.

•

Mimosa pigra. or giant s.ensitive plarit, has spread rapidly since the mid 1970s. It is now. one of the~ mo'st destructive weeds in Australia with the 'potential to smother all of tropical Australia's wetlands.

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Part C

TO increase the commitment by Northern Territory and Commonwealth. Government land'managers to the active management,of weeds on their lands.

The Northern Territory and Commonwealth Governments ownand!or manage significant areas of land in the Northern Territory - research'facilities,

.national parks, roads, defence areas and so on. In many.cases these holdings have significant community roles; as well as being integral parts of regions and catchments. Thus, the government· managers should provide a continuing example of weed, management and be willing participants in regional and catchment management.

Herbicides have a [ole in wee~ management.

Part D

To increase the integration Of physical, chemical. biological and ecological methods in weed management as part of sustainable land· management.

With the diversity of landforms and . land uses in the Northern Territory many ways are available to eradicate, control and prevent the introduction and 'Spread of weeds. In terms of eradication and control, chemical and physical methods (e.g., hand-pulling, burning, bulldozingtchaining and ringbarking) are traditionaL However, biological and ecological control complement these. In the early' 1980s investigations began into biological control, With some major weeds in the Territory (e.g., mimosa, sida, hyptis, parkinsonia and Noogoora burr) targeted since then. The cooperation amongst the Department of Primary Industry & Fisheries, CSIRO, the Queensland Department of Lands and the Northern Territory landholders is a model of the type of integration that can be built on and that is advocated here. .

Northe~n Territory Weeds Management Strategy . 1996 - 2005 .February 1996

By their nature biological control agents do not prevent the introduction· of weeds nor do they eradicate weeds. Successful biological agents can achieve weed control economically over the' long term . and therefore, once proven, biological· agents have an essential role in this strategy. Continued efforts are. required to find, introduce, test and establish biological agents

Variation of existing land management practices (e.g., sowing of competitive pastures, stocking rates, controlled fire management) can also be important separately and in combination with the speCific, traditional methods of weed contr·ol. Moreover, once weed species have been eradicated or controlled, continuing appropriate land management such as planting with appropriate species, helps the rehabilitation process and prevents a repetition of weed problems. Land management will become much more important for the long term management of weeds.

Thus, different methods of control will be integrated to achieve effective management. This complements the focus on catchment management (above) and on regional management.

WEED MANAGEMENT AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF LAND MANAGEMENT-

ACTIONS

Territorians wUZ· need:

1. To incre.as.e the integration. of weed management with active land management.

The Northern Territory Government will need:

2. To develop pOliCies/management plans for weeds.

3. To plan and implement weed management on Territory Government lands on a catchment and/or biogeographic basis.

4. To work with landholders and land managers in planning and implementing weed management in catchments and biogeographic regions

Prior to. rehabilitation, heavy machinery can be used effectively to clear dead weeds fI."om large areas by chaining and blading.

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5. To incorporate the management of water weeds into water quality planning under the Northern Territory Water QUality Management Strategy.

6. To review with landholders and land managers the principles and operations of subsidy schemes for weed control.

7. To continue to work with landholders in the ' control of mimosatnthe north and Athel pine in central Australia. as contained in the National Weeds Strategy.

The Australian and Territory Governments will need to work together: '

8. To prepare vegetation management plans for Kakadu National Park. Arnhem Land. Lakes

, Woods and Silvester on the Barkly Tableland. tropical Melaleuca swamps. deSignated areas ' of the Mitchell grasslands and all Territory sites listed under the Convention on Wetlands of Intermttional Importance. ,

. •

Hand cutting of miinosa followed by stump poisoning is arduous but allows eradication of isolated infestations and those growing amongst deSirable species.

Northern Territory Weeds Management Strategy 1996 - 2005 February 1996

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3 · Learning . More About Weeds in the Territory as an·· Essential Basis for· Land Management

Part A

To develop and maintain comprehensive data bases of the distribution. rate and direction of spread of weeds and their impacts throughout the Territory. ..

Effective weed management requires sound knowledge of the current occurrences of weeds and their rates and directions of spread. Currently, officers of the DPIF Weeds Branch" other government employees and landholders hold knowledge of the whereabouts of weeds but improvements are essential .in the existing data base of the current distribution of weeds, the Tate and direction of their spread and control measures undertaken. Such a data base is a primary requirement for this strategy to succeed.

Several methods exist for the gathering of data from remote sensing to land based surveys. Storage, retrieval, . interpretation and use of the data then

follow to. allow management decisions to be made. Computer packages are weU suited for these processes at the various levels of Territory-wide, regiOIial, catchment and individual landholdings. However, whatever methods are used, it is important the liuid managers accept, understand and have confidence in the data and their use.

When weed management has been . implemented it is also important to know what progress is. being made. Thus, . monitoring is required. Again, some existing processes could be used and one example of this on pastoral lands is the use of monitoring sites set up under the Pastoral Land Act.

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Noogoora burr (Xanthium occidentale) is an erect plant which grows to 2m. It was introduced to Qld., from the Americas and is now well est:iblished. It causes economic loss to pastoralists and restricts the movement of livestock into burr free areas.

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Part B

To initiate, support, collaborate in or conduct research into the impact of weeds and the furt~er development of safe, integrated and cost-effective' weed management.

Additional data and information are required about the processes that lead to the outbreak and spread of weeds as well as about methods of control (e.g., use of herbicides, biological control agents, integrated methods) and the role of other land management practices.

Research is already exploring interactions amongst stocking rates, frequency of controlled burning and 'production. But scope exists for learning more about management practices oriented to sustainable land use and weeds. This is esSential in order for weed management to become an integral and automatic component of overall larid management, ,to prevent weeds problems and to rehabilitate'land and restore use after control or eradication.

More needs to be known about interstate and overseas weeds or potential weeds that threaten the Territory and ways of controlling or eradicating them.. Opportunities should be created and taken to build on the experience of land managers and

research agenCies in relevant areas.

. Biological co~trol requires careful investigation ,over a long period but itoffers ,prospects of weed control over an even longer time. So far promising progress has been made with agents for Mimosa pigra, Sida acuta and Salvinia molesta . . This progress needs to be consolidated and the prospects for controlling other weeds explored, thoroughly.

Current approaches to all these sorts of investigations seek, assistance from national or industry based funding agenCies. Significantly, some such agenCies refuse or are now reluctant to commit resources to weeds because weed problems can become so demanding of resources. Yet, failure to make such a commitment accelerates the realisation of problems that cannot be controlled economically. The Territory needs to emphasise the importance that this strategy places on prevention and management rather than simply on conventional control measures after weed problems have occurre!i.

Northern Territory Weeds Management Strategy 1996 - 2005 February 1996

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Part C

To adapt and develop economic assessments to assist decision making in planning. implementing and monitoring weed management programs and: practices.

With weeds problems set in the context of environ­mental, economic and social interactions, planning will reveal numerous options for inanagement. in Bome traditional areas like primary production, economics can help assign value to that form of

. land use. From this basis priorities can b'e allo­cated to types of weed managem~nt. The situation with other land uses is not so well advanced. All lands have some inherent value but the assigning of ecological, aesthetic, amenity and recreational values, to conservation areas is less clear. Devel~

opments in iiatural resource economics can help deCiSion-makers allocate prioritie:;; for weed. man­agement at regional, catchment -and indiVidual holding levels.

LEARNING MORE ABOl.JT WEEDSc. '.

ACTIONS

The Northern Territory Government will need:

1. To increase investigations into the biologyl ecology of weeds.

2. - To increase investigations into the impactof weeds in Territory ecosystems.

3. To increase current investigations into inte­grated weed management: physical, chemi­cal,biological and ecological' control. .. ,

4. To collaborate in interstate and overseas . projects to help prevent the introduction of

new weeds to the Territory. -

5. ,To improve and expand monitoring in the field. .

6. To increase the role of economic assessc ments in.decisions about weed management in all forms of land use and limd manage­ment.

7. To develop comprehensive data bases of weed distribution and weed management measures in the Territory.

Athel pine (Tamarix aphylla) Is a spreading tree which grows to 10 metres tall. It is 'not a pine, although the minute leaves (. a' above) on the fine braochiets (. b' above) have the appearaoce of pine needles. The weed was mtroduced from-California, aod is spreading In the Alice Springs area, Already, It extends for over 400 km along -the bed and baoks of the Finke River.

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Increasing Public Awareness and Education

To create and continue widespread awareness amongst the residents of the Northern Territory and visitors to the Territory. of

" J -

(iJ the types of weeds that ocqur or could occur 'here; (ii) the causes of their occurrence; (iii) the detrimental. effects of weeds to'the' Territory's natural resources and industries; (iv) metho$ of management. '

Weed 'management will become an integral component of overall land management. In some cases this is' already so. But in all cases this approach reqUires understanding' and support throughout the Northern Territory community. Such understanding and, support reqUires, the provision oftnformation aboutthe identity of weeds, their impacts and potential impacts and about the, management that is required to prevent their introduction,to eradicate them or to control them. This includes a role for, all residents and viSitors.

Information is already provided to landholders, the general public, to schoolchildren and to Government agencies. It is now proposed to improve the processes of providing information and creatirig widespread interest in the successful management of weeds in the Territory.

It is essential that policy on the promotion and planting ·of economically desirable plant species is' guided by a thorough assessment of their economic and environmental impact in non-target areas.

Northern Territory Weeds Management Strategy: 1996 - 2005 February 1996

I , I J 1 , , i 1 I i i

PUBLIC AWARENESS AND EDUCATION­ACTIONS.

Territorianmembers of:

11. Industry,lahdholder and community groups will need to increase awareness of weeds and weed management'amongst their members. .

The Northern Territory Government will need: .

2. To increase the general public's awareness of the Importance of weeds, the progress made so far in their management, and the public's role in'weed detection and management.

3. To conduct specific training and awareness campaigns aboutweed identification and weed management.

\ 4. To conduct specific training and awareness campaigns for members of the tourist,

mining and defence industries to emphasise their important role in the detection, management and spread of weeds. .

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Providing Appropriate Legislation for Weed . Management

To review and revise the Northern Territory Noxious Weeds Act.

The Northern' Territory Noxious Weeds Act provides the legislative basis for weed control in the Northern Territory.

ThisAct came into force in April 1980 and comprises the essence of the Noxious Weeds Ordinance 1962. Since then circumstances have changed and deficiencies have become apparent. Thus, it is timely to overhaul the Act thoroughly and this Strategy requires this revision. It is expected that, in particular, the new Act will support the Strategic objectives of preventing introduction and spread 'of weeds and of integrating weed management into all land management actions. It will'do this· in several

. ways such 'as presentingCnew approaches to the declaration of weeds and to involving landholders and other members of the community in planning weed managemen,t on Territory, regional or catchment basis.

Other Legislation:

Regulations under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975 (a Commonwealth Act) do not permit the entry of plants into Kakadu National Park unless permitted by the Director of the Australian Nature Conservation Agency.

Other Territory Acts which impact on weed control are the Biological Control Act, the Poisons and Dangerous Drugs Act, the Seeds Act, the Environmental Assessment Act, the Pastoral Land Act and the Fisheries Act. The Noxious Weeds Act must complement these' Acts and, in sQme cases, amendments to them may also be required. The Commonwealth Quarantine Act also applies. In the revision of the Noxious Weeds Act every effort is being made to ensure ·.that i~ and the Land Resources Conservation legislation which. is also being drafted, complement each other.

Northern Territory Weeds Management Strategy· 1996 - 2005 February 1996

PROVIDING APPROPRIATE LEGISLATIONc

ACTIONS···

The Northern Territory Government and Territorians will need: '

1. To con~ult with 1andho1der~, indu~try group~ and community groups in the revision of the Northern Territory Noxious Weeds Act.

2. To review and revise the Northern Territory Noxious Weeds Act. in the context of related land resource legislation.

Mexican poppy (Argemone ochroleuca) .infestations now occur in the Southern Regton of the NT,

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Reviewing Progress' Management

• In

. To review this strategy'midway through its proposed ten year term. .

This strategy sets the framework for the ,management of weeds by all landholders throughout the Northern Territory. The time-fl'ame for the strategy extends to the year 2005. An open review of the strategy should be undertaken after five years to assess changes in the distribution of weeds and the progress made in managing' them in the sustaimlble ,use of the Territory's resources. Towards the end of the full ten year period a new strategy will be developed as, a basis for further progress.

Rubber vine (Cryptostegia grandiflorcil Is a Madagascan native· that is widely established in N. Qld. and 'has the potential to spread across 58 million ha. of Northern Australia. Biological control is Urgently needed.·Entry to the NT has been prevented so far. .

Weeds·'

REVIEWING PROGRESS IN WEED MANAGEMENT-

ACTIONS

The Northern Territory Government and Territorians will need:

1. To review the· Northern Territory Weeds Management Strategy by the year 2,001.

2, To prepare a new Northern Territory Weeds Management Strategy to allow continued progress after, the year 2005,

Northern Territory Weeds Management Strategy 1996 - 2005 . February 1996