Nationally coordinated weed management: it's working at the local level

摘要

This paper demonstrates that a nationally coordinated approach to Australia's worst weeds can be effective, efficient and enduring, using the Weeds of National Significance program as an example. This approach uses education, extension and decision support tools as drivers that engage weed managers to help them provide long-lasting innovative change to reduce the impact of weeds.A nationally coordinated and strategic approach with an engaged community fosters ownership, innovation and allows for enormous value to be added to any government financial commitment.It must be recognised, however, that a reduction in weeds on the ground occurs not because of government programs but because of work done at the local level, by farmers, land managers, Landcare groups and others. Government leadership and investment innationally coordinated weed management can derive a large return on investment, at the economic, environmental and social level. This paper discusses how national weed coordination can deliver benefits at both the local and national level. It will also demonstrate the huge leveraging of external funding, and in-kind support, that can be demonstrated if leadership and community involvement are the main drivers.