From Alasdair: Dear Bushcare Group For those of you dealing with coastal weeds the attached report commissioned by the Australian Government might be an interesting read, it seems the report is very Victoria based, with the Marram Grass and Dune Wheat Grass being a major issue. An interesting point to note, in the implications for stakeholders one of the findings of the study is that much of the management burden of coastal weeds is shouldered by Community Volunteers. I have cut and pasted the key findings and implications for key stakeholders from the reports executive summary if you just want the highlights. Results/key findings • There is remarkably little scientific information on the impacts of coastal weeds in Australia. Most research has been on one or two species and most observations are not based on rigorous scientific study (Bitou Bush/Boneseed is the notable exception). Most weed control activities are not assessed for ecological impact, just (in some cases) herbicide efficacy. • It is almost impossible to obtain data on weed management costs in most states. Coastal weed management costs of at least $12 million have been accounted for, but this is a considerable underestimate particularly with respect to the State government sector. The actual figure is more likely to be around $30 million. • Local governments listed the top five species being actively controlled as African boxthorn, sea spurge, Bitou bush/boneseed, Geraldton carnation weed and bridal creeper. • With the exception of scenes dominated by marram grass, visitors tended to have slightly lower preferences for weed-infested sand dune systems. • All foredunes in Victoria are now composed of a mix of exotic and native species with the majority of sites showing the exotics to be replacing native species. Marram grass, sea spurge and sea wheatgrass are the dominant invasive species displacing natives. Marram grass appears to cause dunes to become higher and narrower while sea wheatgrass produces lower foredunes more seaward than those dominated by native species. • Marram grass significantly impacts the availability and suitability of nesting habitat for beach-nesting birds such as hooded plovers. Implications for relevant stakeholders • In probably the widest-ranging inter-disciplinary study of weeds ever undertaken, it has been illustrated just how little is known about these weeds and their impacts. In most cases, the weeds invade with impunity, with the exception of strong (though patchy) community action against a few species and a concerted effort against Bitou bush. Without impact data, control decisions will tend not to be made in the face of alternative demands for resources. Without post-control monitoring data, it will not be able to ascertain if the expenditure has been worthwhile. • Much of the burden of management is shouldered by community volunteer groups. • Rapid change is currently occurring in dune shape and stability on the Victorian coast driven by weed invasion. This will significantly impact how shorelines respond to storms, leading to possible beach loss and consequences for town planners. Kind Regards Alasdair Stratton Shoalhaven Bushcare Coordinator Shoalhaven City Council
Posted on: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 03:37:05 +0000
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