The emerging weed challenge of managing native plant species: what are we doing in New South Wales?

摘要

Plant species that are native to Australia can be significant weeds of primary production and the environment, both within and outside their endemic ranges. Of the 6049 taxa native to New South Wales, over 165 (2.7%) are considered to be weedy withintheir indigenous range. With only one exception, none are managed as noxious under the New South Wales Noxious Weeds Act J993.Two groups of native species are managed as noxious weeds. With one exception, the first group includes a range of 14 tree, shrub, vine and epiphytic species found in northern and eastern rainforests and high rainfall areas. These species are generally of concern outside their endemic range, for example sweet pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum Vent.), some lilly-pilly species (both Acmena and Syzygium species), bower vine (Pandorea jasminoides (Lindl.) Schum.) and staghorn fern (Platycerium superbum deJonch. & Hennipman). The exception is coastal teatree (Leptospernntm laevigatum (Gaertn.) F.Muell.). a species that is invasive in coastal dune areas in New South Wales. The second group are those found (and declared) within their endemic range. Galvanised burr (Sclerolaena birchii (F.Muell.) Domin), an early colonising shrub of rangeland throughout western New South Wales, is the only current example.This paper discusses the use of legislation to enable the management of native plant species, particularly with the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 and the Native Vegetation Act 2003 (and associated legislation). The problems encountered are also examined. Importantly, options for the management of native species in New South Wales are suggested so as to address some of the conflicting issues identified. The principles, practices and examples examined in this paper provide essential guidance to the emerging challenges of the management of native plant species across many jurisdictions in Australia.