Weeds

Weeds are plants that are undesirable in the context of a particular land use system. They may be woody or herbaceous, native or exotic (Roth et al. 2002). The Federal Government has listed 20 Weeds of National Significance (WONS) in addition to the declared weeds under the Lands Protection ( Pest and Stock Route Management) Act (2002) .

Weeds on the National Environmental Alert List are species that are in the early stages of establishment and have the potential to become a significant threat to biodiversity if they are not managed.

There are at least twelve species of either declared or nationally significant weed found within the region. The extent of infestations for most species is not well known ( Roth et al. 2002 ).

For more information on weeds as threats, click these links to terrestrial weeds and aquatic weeds

How can you help?

Practical ways to prevent weed spread .

Weed Warriors is an education program which can be used by those working in weed management as a tool to get local schools (Grades 5-10) involved in their work. Weed Warriors is an innovative national program that provides participants the opportunity to learn, hands-on about invasive pest plants, a major environmental menace to Australia, and to become part of the solution to the problem.

Lord of the weeds is a secondary schools competition run by the Weeds CRC, (supported by resources such as suggested lesson activities, student proformas to guide students through writing the report, marking guide and appropriate contacts for teachers to use). This competition requires students to design a strategy to manage weeds in the school, or in the local area. This competition was written with the purpose of enabling students to develop a sense of ownership and pride in their school environment/local area by designing solutions to identified environmental problems; and be in the running to be offered part of total prize money offered to schools.

Weedbusters a national program aimed at children from 10–12 and teaches students about the importance of controlling weeds. It contains creative activities to help students identify and manage weeds.

Weed spotter network is a national weed detection project managed by the Weeds CRC. It is a community-based weed alert system in regional Australia, which involves collection and identification of new and potential weeds. Prevention and early intervention management strategies can then be implemented for cost-effective control. For more information, see the Weed spotter network brochure .