Managing weeds and pests

Most graziers, farmers or landholder would say they have a problem with weeds and pests. Managing them underpins many of the programs at NQ Dry Tropics.

Weeds and animal pests can outcompete native species and they lead to losses in production on agricultural land.

We define a weed as a plant that’s not indigenous to this region and is displacing or has the potential to displace native ecosystems, indigenous/endemic plant species and agricultural systems. While a pest animal is defined as a non-indigenous animal that is displacing or has the potential to displace indigenous/endemic animals and plants from their habitat.

In 2009 we developed a comprehensive strategy that highlights the most problematic species and outlines who is responsible for managing them. The Pest Management Strategy influences some of the projects NQ Dry Tropics does. It’s also about encouraging a regional approach to managing these problems and has been endorsed by most local governments in our area.

To find out if you’re eligible for funding within our current projects ring our office or check the funding section of this website. Healthy Habitat, Bowling Green Bay and the Regional Pest Management Strategy all focus on weeds and pest animals.  

Weeds of our region and pests of our region will give you more information about the species that live in the dry tropics.

Some tips on controlling weeds and pest animals;

1. Work from good to bad
2. Follow-up the controls (for up to 10 years)
3. Integrate approaches
4. Coordinate control with your neighbours
5. Identify the source of infestation and
6. Contain the spread of infestation.

For further information on weeds in our area contact the Tropical Weeds Research Centre in Charters Towers on 07 4761 5700. The Centre's website is http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_11833.htm

The Department of Environment and Resource Management is also useful http://www.derm.qld.gov.au