Pathway risk analysis for weed spread within Australia

Aims

The purpose of this research is to:
1. assess the relative risks of sources and pathways of weed ingress within Australia; and
2. identify ways to reduce these risks.
 

Background

There has been considerable effort to elucidate the means by which weeds and potential weeds enter Australia and to assess the risks associated with importation of plants, but no comprehensive studies have been undertaken to ascertain the way that weeds spread once present within Australia or to assess the relative threats or risks (likelihood and potential magnitude) of different sources and pathways due to species, quantity of propagules, distance, and sensitivity of the invaded environment. Most recently naturalised taxa are still only locally distributed, and so it is critical to identify the primary pathways for the spread of these, as well as more widespread weeds, so as to be able to prevent movement to un-infested areas. The approach and methods taken in this project will on the whole result in the maximum amount of information in weed ingress being obtained in a timely and cost efficient way.

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