Control existing invasive species, as well as focusing on new incursions and those that provide a ‘stitch in time’ outcome, with significant financial returns.
Why it is important?
Delayed action on new biosecurity risks often results in a no-win situation, with ongoing financial loss / burden and environmental impacts. Good communication and partnerships with others will support better biosecurity outcomes. It's also important to have sustained and consistent control of existing pests and weeds for effective long term management.
Examples of Local Action
- Conduct ongoing R&D to identify the best control measures (biological control, etc) of the main weeds (currently Siam weed, African Tulip trees, Navua Sedge, Gamba Grass) and use this information to conduct on ground weed management, involving all levels of the community.
- Continue with current biosecurity programs and review regularly to ensure value for money and outcomes achieved.
- Implement a coordinated control program on Gamba Grass to prevent its spread to the lower Herbert catchment eg. use adaptive fire regimes to control infestations in the upper catchment, conduct education and awareness raising in the lower Herbert, coordinate stakeholder planning now to prepare and respond to the threat of Gamba Grass.
Contribution to Regional Priority
R-CM 19: Local Action on Local Invasives
Develop collaborative, practical biosecurity protocols and undertake an integrated approach to managing invasive species.
Local Landscape:
Hinchinbrook
Regional Theme:
Biosecurity
Catchment:
Herbert