implementation of the aquatic Weeds of national ... - Weeds Australia

Alligator Weed
Cabomba
Salvinia
Letter from the Chair
On behalf of the National Aquatic Weeds Management Group I am
pleased to present this five year progress report (2003-2008) on the
implementation of the national strategic plans for alligator weed, cabomba
and salvinia. This report outlines some of the key achievements by many
stakeholders in Australia over the last five years to reduce impacts, prevent
spread and coordinate the management of these three aquatic Weeds of
National Significance (WoNS).
Our management group consists of a wide range of representatives
including government at all levels, aquarium industry, community, and research scientists. We are all
stakeholders who either work to better manage these aquatic weeds or are directly affected by them.
It’s been a privilege to serve as NAWMG’s chair for the last five years and to note the many contributions
to the implementation of the strategic plans by key stakeholders. We’ve seen a dramatic increase in the
knowledge base for each weed and how to achieve strategic control of them. We’ve also initiated many
education programs and successfully engaged the aquarium industry in helping reduce the threat of
aquatic weeds. I believe that after five years of coordinated national management we are in an excellent
position to further consolidate our efforts and achieve successful long term control to reduce the threat
of these very invasive aquatic weeds and related species.
We know that much work remains to be done and there are still many hurdles to be overcome. This
includes adapting to new government investment priorities and funding arrangements, engaging new
stakeholders and overcoming new threats such as climate change or potentially stricter legislation on
control methods.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank many of the key stakeholders for their support, involvement
in and commitment to the national aquatic WoNS program. This includes the Australian, State and Local
governments, research organisations, the Pet Industry Association of Australia and the aquatic plant trade,
Regional Catchment Management organisations, water supply companies, community groups, and last
but not least the local control authorities who continue the fight against these weeds at the coal face.
Neale Tweedie
Implementation of the Aquatic Weeds of National Significance Strategic Plans
Progress Report 2003-2008
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