P.PSH.2003 - Cooperative, integrated weed management in the BBB catchment

Summary

The “Cooperative, integrated weed management in the BBB catchment” project aimed to demonstrate a cooperative and integrated approach to identify the best practice management of the highest priority economic weeds in the Bowen, Broken and Bogie River (BBB) Catchments, of the Burdekin Dry Tropics.

The demonstration and implementation of improved weed management practices aimed to have immediate benefits for the demonstration properties but, more importantly, to be closely observed by neighbours and other graziers. The demonstrations were intended to have important flow on impacts on weed management for the more than 70 commercial grazing properties in the BBB.

Objectives

• The project trialled integrated approaches to the management of the highest priority weeds in the BBB, on six demonstration grazing properties and evaluated the approach.
• Explored two of a target of three test cases for improved approval procedures for large scale weed management activities.
• Collaboratively held seven of a target of nine field days and other extension activities, including in adjoining regions e.g. the Don River Catchment.
• Encouraged development and implementation of weed management plans, through direct project support and collaboration from other projects and Whitsunday Regional Council.

Key findings

• The project reinforced the significance of weed management for graziers in the project area and beyond: the loss of production, impacts on ecological/landscape function, and the time, effort and resources required to manage weeds in a grazing landscape.
• A focussed weeds project creates social and extension (technical advice, field days, workshops, property visits etc.) “chatter” which extends into the local community.
• Networks are important in encouraging implementation of improved landscape management: providing rapid technology transfer and exchange of ideas and approaches.
• It was a challenge to demonstrate practical cooperation across property boundaries without external drivers (e.g. cash, equipment, labour etc.) and adequate coordination support to encourage joint action.
• Legislation misapprehension and uncertainty is a key challenge for implementation of improved weed management practices.

Benefits to industry

• The project trialed and encouraged a wide range of weed management approaches, both current and some new technologies for the region, which resulted in a marked increase in weed management activity and impressive production benefits, through increased pasture biomass and pasture quality of treated country.
• Four of the six core project producers provided a rating of 7 out of 10 for how valuable the PDS was in assisting them to manage their livestock enterprise.
• All core project producers nominated that they had made or intend to make other changes to their business as a result of participating in this PDS.
• The region’s graziers now have access to, and expanded knowledge of, a range of tried and tested weed management approaches and technologies which were not available prior to commencement of the project.
• The uptake of simple, inexpensive but efficient technology can be high after successful demonstration, with the Auscrimper sucker puller a standout for this project.

MLA action

MLA continues to deliver the Producer Demonstration Site (PDS) program, supporting livestock producers working in peer-to-peer groups to pursue new skills, knowledge and management practices applicable to their own commercial livestock production systems.

Future research

• Grewia (Grewia asiatica) was frequently mentioned by graziers as an emerging weed of significance across the region. Research is urgently required to improve control options for graziers before it becomes the new rubber vine or prickly acacia of the region.
• Many funding organisations seem reluctant to invest in weed projects, presumably due to the scale of the issues and ongoing costs, however, targeted programs can result in big gains for production and ecological outcomes when graziers are provided with incentives to test techniques at a manageable scale, are actively engaged, and are encouraged to share information.
• There is a need for active extension by the custodians of key relevant legislation to provide practical weed management solutions for landholders.