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The Cross-Catchments Weeds Initiative has now grown into the Cross-Catchments Weeds & Feral Animals Initiative. Click here to find out more.
A weed is a plant growing out of context and out of control.
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Weeds can drastically alter the biodiversity of an area (impacting on both animals and other plants) and have the potential to radically effect productivity. |
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Weeds are generally introduced species but can be native species where human interference has altered the natural balance that once kept them in check. |
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The Cooper’s Creek Catchment Committee and the Georgina Diamantina Catchment Committee have put together a cooperative weed control initiative across the two catchments and two state borders.
The need to manage major noxious weeds in the Cooper's Creek and Georgina Diamantina catchments, which span parts of NT Qld and SA, has seen the two committees develop the Cross-Catchment Weeds Initiative (CCWI). It builds on and links the Pest Management Plans developed by Shire Councils and the Weeds of National Significance strategies.
The major weeds included in the CCWI are:
- Mesquite
- Parkinsonia
- Parthenium
- Prickly acacia
- Rubber vine
The aims of the CCWI are:
- to prevent weed spread down the catchments
- to reduce infestations
The objectives are:
- the effective utilisation of resources and information through collaborative ventures between stakeholders (Government departments and agencies, Shire Councils, Maree Soil Conservation Board, Landcare groups etc)
- the development of a five year cross-catchments management plan, with a commitment to ongoing management after this term
- the establishment of a project partnership with the relevant State and Commonwealth Government departments for support with the implementation of the management plan
One of the major principles of the CCWI is to use what is already in place and build on what has been developed and achieved.
The inaugural workshop was held in December 1999. Five-year costing sheets and special maps were developed by LEBIIS (Lake Eyre Basin Integrated Information System) and sent out to individual landholders and councils for completion. Information gathered was collated into a 'larger picture' framework by LEBIIS while mapping information was, and continues to be, incorporated into the Department of Natural Resources and Mines PESTINFO weed mapping program. All this assists in the planning and running of the project.
Significant outcomes of the CCWI are:
- formation of the Shire Rural Land Officers Group of Western Queensland
- almost $300,000 for a devolved grant, parkinsonia project (this project has seen 140 landmanagers across the 2 catchments come together in 30 groups to cooperatively manage the problem)
- funding for rubber vine survey and management
- development of a series of strategies to establish practical linkages among shires
- establishment of the Weed Alert Program
