Partnerships key to the success of regional weed management

The Stakeholder partnerships in the delivery of the North Coast Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan (RSWMP) project was developed by North Coast Local Land Services (NCLLS), Rous County Council and the North Coast Regional Landcare Network. The project aimed to engage Landcare Networks to work closely with their Local Control Authority (LCA) Weed Officer to deliver weed biosecurity outcomes across the region.

The project objectives / outputs were:

  • Tenure neutral strategic management of weed species identified as, Management Category: 'Eradicate', ‘Contain’ or ‘Asset Protection’ in Appendix 3 of the RSWMP;
  • Communication and engagement activities with relevant landholders; and
  • Relevant landholders to enter into a ‘Biosecurity Undertaking’ agreement under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 (the Act), that outlines a simple action plan to implement ‘follow up’ of the initial on-ground weed control works.

Landcare Networks (11) across the region were asked to prepare at least one funding application per Local Government Area (13) to be involved in the project. NCLLS and the LCAs reviewed the applications and provided feedback where applications were not in line with the RSWMP. The North Coast Regional Landcare provided ongoing support to the Networks throughout the project.

Despite the projects being impacted by drought, bush fires, localised flooding and COVID19, the partnership proved beneficial. By working with Landcare:

  • Weed Officers, Landcare members and landholders learnt how to control new weed incursions together;
  • There were good on-ground weed control outcomes;
  • The project was enhanced by volunteers helping landholders to fence off, and re-vegetate riparian areas after the target weed had been removed;
  • Landcare members gained a better understanding of LCAs, the RWSMP, the Act and the different approach to weed control;
  • The NCLLS Regional Weed Coordinator and the LCA Weed Officers developed a better relationship with their local Landcare Coordinator and general understanding about Landcare; and
  • Communication and engagement activities reached a broader audience, utilising exiting Landcare Networks.

Overall NCLLS and the LCAs saw the benefits of working with Landcare to deliver weed biosecurity outcomes and have applied for funding to deliver projects with Landcare into the future.

Job's Tears Control