Exotic grasses are emerging as one of the greatest
threats to northern Australian landscapes, for both
the environment and the pastoral industry. It is essential
to be able to accurately assess the weed risk of grasses
in northern Australia.
Woody weeds
Woody weeds (trees and shrubs with woody aerial stems
that persist from year to year) have large underground
root systems that make them difficult to remove or control
in landscapes. The wide open spaces of northern Australia
with their fragile ecosystems are under threat from
a number of woody weeds.
Aquatic Weeds
Rivers, lakes, dams, irrigation canals and estuaries
around the world are at risk from introduced aquatic
weeds which, because of their incredible ability to
spread, can bring river systems and lakes to a standstill,
destroying the livelihoods of many communities who depend
on water for survival.
Australian Natives
Australian plants introduced to other countries can
also become weeds. When planted overseas they are without
the pests and diseases that keep them under control
here and can sometimes become.
Riparian Weeds
Riparian areas (the green, vegetated areas on river
banks) are essential to the health of waterways. They
remove sediment and contaminants and reduce the risk
of flooding and erosion. Their preservation is therefore
essentail for the sustainability of catchments. Weeds
now dominate the riparian zone of many inland waterways
in Australia.
Climbing Weeds
Climbing weeds cause massive disruption to natural
ecosystems by smothering the native vegetation so reducing
plant biodiversity, habitats for native animals and
the amenity of recreational areas.
