Evolution, not revolution: getting stakeholders on board with the roll out of the National Post-Border Weed Risk Management protocolsin New South Wales

摘要

Risk assessment based management systems are recognised worldwide as a key tool in the management of weeds. However, to be successful, the development and implementation of decision support systems need adoption by stakeholders. As such, empowering stakeholders to embrace change is essential. Building on stakeholders' existing skills, knowledge and processes, coupled with the simple recognition of what stakeholders are already achieving pays dividends when introducing new systems to improve weed management. Industry and Investment New South Wales has recently used these principles to engage regional weed managers through the introduction of a new Weed Risk Management (WRM) system. Using the philosophy 'evolution not revolution' the NSW government is building on existing approaches by providing resources and training to increase the capacity of local weed managers. The development and implementation of this system has used extensive 'road-testing' to ensure ease of use among stakeholders. A key component of the program was the development of a nationally accredited training module. Not only has this increased the capacity for managers to implement the program, it increases participant engagement and ownership, ultimately increasing acceptance. Therole of State govermnent has increasingly focused on providing strategic direction, legislation, technical advice and administrative support, while local government and other stakeholders are delivering regional on-ground weed control. This highlights the need to provide effective tools that not only achieve outcomes for the State but deliver outcomes at a regional level. Tools such as WRM systems provide an objective means by which both parties can identify priority species and appropriate managementresponses.