NEW SOUTH WALES PARTHENIUM STRATEGY · NEW SOUTH WALES PARTHENIUM STRATEGY 2010–2015 PAGE 4 In 1994 it was estimated that Parthenium weed caused Queensland graziers an annual loss

NEW SOUTH WALES PARTHENIUM STRATEGY2010–2015

W W W . D P I . N S W . G O V . A U

NSW Parthenium Strategy

© State of New South Wales through NSW Department of Primary Industries 2011

This publication is copyright. You may download, display, print and reproduce this material in an unaltered form only (retaining this notice) for your personal use or for non‑commercial use within your organisation. To copy, adapt, publish, distribute or commercialise any of this publication you will need to seek permission from the Manager Publishing, NSW DPI, Orange, NSW.

For updates to this publication, check www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/

Published by NSW DPI

First Published June 2011

ISBN 978 1 74256 054 0

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This draft was compiled and written by Phillip Blackmore Invasive Species Officer (NSW DPI) with the assistance of Scott Charlton Invasive Species Strategy & Policy Officer (NSW DPI).

DISCLAIMER

The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing (June 2011). However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that information on which they rely is up to date and to check the currency of the information with the appropriate officer of NSW DPIor the user’s independent advisor.

Job No: 10117

NEW SOUTH WALES

PARTHENIUM STRATEGY

2010–2015

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

1 I N T R O D U C T I O N

1 B A C K G R O U N D

3 I M PA C T

4 D I S T R I B U T I O N

5 P R O G R E S S TO D AT E

6 W E E D M A N A G E M E N T C AT E G O R I E S

7 C O N T R O L S T R AT E G I E S

8 L I N K S TO OT H E R S T R AT E G I E S

8 L E G I S L AT I V E C O N T R O L S

9 S T R AT E G I C P L A N

9 G O A L 1 : E XC LU D E P R E V E N T T H E E S TA B L I S H M E N T O F PA R T H E N I U M W E E D I N N S W

1 1 G O A L 2 : E R A D I C AT E E L I M I N AT E PA R T H E N I U M W E E D I N C U R S I O N S

1 2 G O A L 3 : T H I S G O A L I S N OT A P P L I C A B L E TO T H I S S T R AT E G Y

1 2 G O A L 4 : C A PA C I T Y E N S U R E N S W H A S T H E A B I L I T Y A N D C O M M I T M E N T TO M A N A G E PA R T H E N I U M W E E D

1 3 M O N I TO R I N G , E VA LUAT I O N A N D R E P O R T I N G

1 4 M I L E S TO N E S

1 4 A B B R E V I AT I O N S

1 4 F U R T H E R R E A D I N G

NEW SOUTH WALES PARTHENIUM STRATEGY 2010–2015

PAGE 1

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Parthenium weed is a vigorous coloniser of bare ground, denuded pastures and disturbed sites. The weed is a fast growing annual with prolific seed production. Once established, it quickly builds a huge seed bank in the soil that makes eradication difficult and expensive.

Parthenium weed is widely established throughout central Queensland where it causes significant production losses and human health problems.

Parthenium is a continuing threat to NSW as it spreads into southern Queensland, particularly along rivers and streams in the Maranoa valley. In this area local government has little choice but to contain the larger outbreaks and monitor the spread of infestations on waterways.

Parthenium weed contains powerful allergens that cause a range of human health problems, including asthma and severe contact dermatitis.

Parthenium weed spreads only by seed that is adapted to localised spread by whirlwinds, water or animals. Long distance spread is by human agency through movement of contaminated harvesting machinery, grain, hay, seed and mud attached to vehicles.

The first outbreak of Parthenium weed in NSW was discovered in 1982. Much work has been done since then to reduce the entry of Parthenium weed seed to NSW and to find and eradicate new outbreaks. The potential for establishing a permanent population of Parthenium weed is most likely from outbreaks on private property. There have only been 51 outbreaks of Parthenium weed on farmland to date. All have been eradicated or fully suppressed.

B A C K G R O U N D

Parthenium weed is a Weed of National Significance. It currently infests more than eight million hectares in central Queensland and has the potential to infest much of the eastern half of New South Wales.

Parthenium is an aggressive coloniser. The weed was introduced to India near Poona probably during World War II. Establishment was rapid and the weed has since spread throughout India and to Pakistan.

Climex climate modelling has predicted that Parthenium weed could become established over much of the eastern half of NSW. The Northern Rivers area and the lower Hunter valley are thought to be particularly suited to its establishment but fortunately Parthenium weed has not yet been found in these areas.


PAGE 2

< 5

Ecoclimate Index

Potential distribution of parthenium weed

15 – 30

5 – 15

30 – 50

> 50

SydneyAdelaide

Perth

Melbourne

Hobart

Brisbane

MackayMt Isa

Cairns

Darwin

(Data is splined from a CLIMEX climate prediction. EI=Ecoclimatic Index:, EI>50 potential for permanent population very high EI<5 potential for permanent population low).

B I O LO G Y O F PA R T H E N I U M W E E D

Parthenium weed is an annual herb in the family Asteraceae. The weed is native to northern Mexico and southern USA. The weed produces a large basal rosette and once established will suppress the growth of weak or overgrazed pastures by both direct competition and allelopathy. Parthenium weed matures rapidly and produces large quantities of seed. The weed reproduces by seed and grows in the warmer months. A single fully mature plant can produce at least 15 000 seeds. In summer, stressed Parthenium weed plants can germinate, flower and set seed within 28 days.

Seed that becomes buried has a half-life exceeding six years. This means that seedlings could be expected to be recruited from a large seed bank for more than fifteen years, even if there is no addition to the seed bank in that time.

PAGE 3

A weakness in the reproductive biology of Parthenium weed may be exploited to limit the rate of spread. The weed reproduces only by seed and the seed is adapted to dispersal over short distances and localised areas. Dispersal by natural forces is by whirlwinds, flowing streams and animal movement. Long distance dispersal of seed is solely by unintentional human agency, through movement of contaminated machinery, vehicles and produce.

Outward spread from the margins of the core area of infestation tends to be due to natural forces but spread into clean areas is caused by the movement of seed on vehicles and in harvesting machinery, grain, hay and seed. For this reason, it is possible to minimise the entry of Parthenium weed seed into New South Wales while southern Queensland remains largely free of this weed.

H I S TO R Y O F S P R E A D

Parthenium weed was introduced to Queensland as a contaminant of pasture seed from the USA in 1958. The weed quickly became naturalised in the Central Highlands region of that state. Spread and establishment was exacerbated by land clearing and closer settlement during the Brigalow Development Scheme. The weed is now endemic throughout the Central Highlands area and regular isolated outbreaks occur in all surrounding areas.

Parthenium weed was first discovered in NSW near Narrabri in 1982. The following year a very large infestation was discovered about 80 km north east of Moree. Many more infestations have been discovered since the first outbreak. These have occurred mainly along roadsides, particularly the Newell Highway, but have also occurred on farmland, in machinery yards, feedlots and an oilseed crushing plant. The majority of infestations have occurred in areas close to Queensland although infestations have been found at Condobolin and as far south as Hillston, Deniliquin and Jerilderie.

There have been 51 outbreaks of Parthenium weed on farmland. Seven of these outbreaks had spread over more than ten hectares and were well established when discovered. A further 12 outbreaks on private property have occurred on off-farm sites. These sites include machinery saleyards, large feedlots, grain handling and processing facilities and the driveway of a residence. All outbreaks on privately owned land have been eradicated or fully suppressed.

Spread of Parthenium weed in southern Queensland could impact New South Wales with outbreaks on roadsides and private property on the Darling Downs, Maranoa and the Lockyer Valley regions. Most infestations in this area are eradicated promptly. However, several infestations on private property are established along rivers and streams in the Maranoa valley. These infestations cannot be eradicated and are spreading south towards St George.

I M PA C T

Parthenium weed is an undesirable and invasive weed that is not wanted in New South Wales. This weed is endemic to central Queensland where it causes significant production losses to the beef industry and grain producers. It is also a serious allergen and adversely affects the health of many people who live in the area. Isolated outbreaks occur regularly throughout southern Queensland. Several infestations in the Maranoa valley may eventually threaten New South Wales.


PAGE 4

In 1994 it was estimated that Parthenium weed caused Queensland graziers an annual loss of $16 million due to lost production and direct control costs. The maintenance of vigorous pastures is necessary to suppress germination of Parthenium weed seed. In areas with a large Parthenium weed seedbank, stocking rates need to be sub-optimal in relation to pasture carrying capacity in order to achieve this suppression. Consequently, considerable livestock production capacity is foregone. The level of foregone production has not been quantified. Local government also expends significant sums on roadside control of this weed.

Parthenium weed is toxic and unpalatable to stock. In India the weed has been observed to kill calves and adult cattle that are forced to eat it as a significant part of their diet. When consumed by stock in smaller quantities it will seriously taint their meat & milk.

As well as significant weedy properties, Parthenium weed contains powerful allergens that can cause severe reactions in humans and some animals. Symptoms include rhinitis, asthma and severe contact dermatitis in individuals who are subject to allergies. Prolonged exposure will sensitise some individuals despite not being initially affected.

D I S T R I B U T I O N

Grain harvesting machinery was recognised as a major potential carrier of Parthenium weed seed soon after the first outbreak was discovered in NSW. On roadsides, the source of most infestations is probably heavy vehicles travelling into New South Wales from Queensland. Other potential sources include tourist vehicles and vehicles that have been off-road for a variety of purposes. However, the particular type of vehicle that is most likely to cause roadside infestations is not known. All outbreaks on roadsides have been eradicated

Griffith

Broken Hill

Sydney

Land use

Parthenium weed outbreaks 1982–2010

roadside

private

Bourke

PAGE 5

On privately owned land, headers and grain harvesting operations have been linked with the majority of outbreaks. Soon after the first farm infestation was discovered, it was established that thorough cleaning of the internal mechanism and the exterior of a header could greatly reduce the risk of spreading Parthenium weed to farmland. It was agreed that a mandatory requirement to clean and inspect harvesting machinery entering NSW from Queensland was both reasonable and achievable. Legislation imposing this interstate quarantine restriction was introduced in 1984.

The eastern Australian winter cereal harvest commences in central Queensland in late September and concludes in South Australia in January. This seasonal shift means that an average of 600 headers enter NSW from Queensland each year

Other sources of spread on private land have been contaminated sunflower hulls from an oilseed crushing plant (now dismantled) that were sold as stock feed and contaminated pasture seed.

The challenge for New South Wales is to prevent the establishment of Parthenium weed in our state. Until recent years, outbreaks have occurred regularly on roadsides, especially along the Newell Highway. Outbreaks on private property are less frequent but are considered to be a greater threat. Several large outbreaks in New South Wales have shown that this weed will establish and spread if outbreaks are not eradicated as soon as they are discovered.

1982–1989

40

80

1990–1999 2000–2009

New Parthenium outbreaks in NSW

P R O G R E S S TO D AT E

All known infestations on roadsides have been eradicated

All known infestations on private property have been eradicated

Inspectors employed by NSW DPI at the Queensland border carry out mandatory inspections of grain harvesting machinery under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993. To support these inspections NSW DPI has established three clean-down sites at the main border crossing points of Goondiwindi, Mungindi and Hebel. Each of these sites is equipped with a large air compressor for cleaning headers. Goondiwindi also has washdown facilities for headers and a new washdown at Mungindi will be commissioned in 2010 with financial support from Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA.


PAGE 6

Since this inspection program was upgraded in 1997, the number of new outbreaks of Parthenium weed that have been linked to grain harvesters has declined. In turn this has meant that there has been a decline in all outbreaks on private property.

Local government is responsible for inspecting roadsides and private property and for controlling any new infestations on roadsides. The NSW Weeds Action Program grants support these activities. Where new roadside outbreaks of Parthenium weed occur more often, local control authorities receive additional support. Local government weeds officers have been very effective in finding and destroying new outbreaks of Parthenium weed on roadsides.

Infestations on private property and particularly on farmland are much more difficult to find than roadside infestations and are generally more established when found. Discovery of these infestations is often by a report from the landholder. It is mandatory for occupiers to report infestations of Parthenium weed.

Progress has been made on releasing and naturalising a range of biological control agents. These agents may in time contribute to reducing the competitive advantage of Parthenium weed in the core areas of infestation. Biological control will never eradicate this weed. Consequently; the problem remains that only a few seeds are needed to initiate a new outbreak.

W E E D M A N A G E M E N T C AT E G O R I E S

The following diagram demonstrates where parthenium weed management falls on a graph representing a typical weed invasion life span:

invasion point time

Prevention

Eradication

Asset protection

Weed management

Containment

area invaded

PAGE 7

Prevention – weed management aimed at preventing new species from arriving.

Eradication – weed management aimed at removing newly arrived weeds including all plant material.

Containment – weed management aimed at reducing the spread and/or severity of established weed infestations using defined geographical boundaries.

Asset protection – weed management aimed at protecting assets from the impact of established weeds. Assets may be environmental, primary production or community.

C O N T R O L S T R AT E G I E S

The vision of this strategy is that New South Wales remains free from self-regenerating populations of Parthenium weed.

This will be achieved by:

1. Excluding the entry of Parthenium weed seed NSW

• Intercepting known pathways for Parthenium weed entry such as grain harvesting machinery at the Queensland border.

• Assisting high risk industries to develop Codes of Practice to minimise the risk of introducing Parthenium weed seed to NSW.

• Continuing to identify new entry pathways for Parthenium weed seed.

• Continuing to support the Queensland government to suppress Parthenium weed in southern Queensland.

2. Eradicating new incursions of Parthenium weed in NSW

• Continuing to support local government to find and eradicate new outbreaks of Parthenium weed.

3. Ensuring that NSW has the ability and commitment to manage Parthenium weed

• Continuing to raise the community’s awareness of Parthenium weed, both in their ability to identify it and the need to report new outbreaks.


PAGE 8

L I N K S TO OT H E R S T R AT E G I E S

RegionalRegional management plans

StateNSW Invasive Species Plan

National

NSWParthenium Strategy

LocalNoxious weeds management plan

This strategy links to and draws from, the National Parthenium Strategy.

At the state level this strategy links to the NSW State Plan, the NSW Invasive Species Plan and the NSW Department of Industry and Investment Corporate Plan.

At a regional level this strategy links with The Northern Inland PW Regional Weed Management Plan and the Macquarie Valley PW Regional Weed Management Plan.

L E G I S L AT I V E C O N T R O L S

Parthenium weed is declared under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 a Class 1 noxious weed throughout New South Wales. This means that its presence must be notified to the local control authority and the plant must be eradicated from the land and the land must be kept free of the plant.

Grain harvesting machinery entering New South Wales from Queensland must be cleaned to the standard required by the Noxious Weeds Regulation and then presented for inspection at the border before being permitted to enter this state.

PAGE 9

S T R AT E G I C P L A N

G O A L 1 : E XC LU D E

P R E V E N T T H E E S TA B L I S H M E N T O F PA R T H E N I U M W E E D I N N S W

ACTION OUTPUT/PERFORMANCE INDICATOR RESPONSIBILITY

1.1 Objective – High risk pathways are identified and managed

Identify and document existing and potential high risk pathways

• existing high risk pathways are identified and documented.

• new high risk pathways are identified

• new high risk pathways are documented within 6 months of identification.

NSW DPI PWTF

NSW DPI

Review legislative arrangements for control of high risk pathways

• subordinate legislation amendments recommended for new documented pathways, where appropriate.

NSW DPI

Implement legislation, education and enforcement programs for effective management of high risk pathways

• agricultural machinery entering NSW at the Queensland border inspected.

• clean-down facilities at the Queensland border maintained.

• clean-down facilities at the Queensland border enhanced with external funding where enhancement will reduce machinery cleaning time.

• harvesting contractors are informed of their responsibilities when entering NSW from Queensland.

• persons in charge of agricultural machinery habitually making false or misleading declarations under Section 31 (5) of the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 are considered for issue with penalty notices.

• persons in charge of agricultural machinery in breach of Section 31 (4) of the Noxious Weeds Act are prosecuted.

• NSW purchasers of livestock, produce, seeds for sowing, equipment from Queensland provided with opportunities to be aware of the potential to import Parthenium weed.

• NSW purchasers of contract machinery services from Queensland are provided with information about the potential to introduce Parthenium weed.

NSW DPI

Assist high risk pathway industries to develop industry codes of practice to mitigate risk

• codes of practice developed and adopted by 2012 . PWTF


PAGE 10


1.2 Objective – Early detection capabilities are developed and implemented

Respond effectively to Parthenium weed reports • reports investigated within 2 working days.

• outbreaks of Parthenium weed managed according to existing best practice procedures developed and endorsed by PWTF.

• outbreaks reported to the Parthenium weed database administrator promptly.

LCA’s

Maintain NSW Parthenium weed database • database maintained.

• database accessible to stakeholders.NSW DPI


1.3 Objective – Consistency between State and national protocols

Work with other jurisdictions to develop consistent Parthenium weed management approaches

• the Queensland government continue to require eradication of new small outbreaks and containment and suppression of larger outbreaks in southern Queensland.

• Queensland government membership on the Parthenium Weed Taskforce maintained.

• NSW membership of the National Parthenium Management Group maintained.

NSW DPI

PAGE 11

G O A L 2 : E R A D I C AT E

E L I M I N AT E PA R T H E N I U M W E E D I N C U R S I O N S


2.1 Objective – Timely detection of new incursions

Maintain and promote the Parthenium weed Hotline • reports of incursions received by the hotline are dealt with within 5 days of receipt.

NSW DPI

Maintain surveillance capabilities for Parthenium weed

• weeds staff made available for Parthenium weed surveillance.

• weeds officers trained in search procedure.

• other Council staff to be trained in Parthenium weed recognition.

LCA’s

Increase the capacity of stakeholders to recognise, detect and report new incursions

• a targeted capacity building program developed and implemented.

PWTF

Enhance existing community surveillance networks • NSW DPI, LHPA, and CMA staff and Landcare members to be trained in Parthenium weed identification by 2012.

• NSW DPI, LHPA, and CMA staff and Landcare members report sightings of Parthenium weed.

PWTF

Improve communication and reporting networks between and within agencies

• the Parthenium Weed Taskforce maintained with membership from relevant units of NSW DPI, local control authorities, CMA’s, NSW Farmers, grain harvesting associations and any other appropriate groups.

• minutes of meetings distributed promptly.

NSW DPI


2.2 Objective – Rapid response to contain and eradicate new incursions of Parthenium weed

Review and implement rapid response plans • existing rapid response plan within best practice procedures reviewed by 2011.

• updated rapid response plan distributed to LCA’s

• rapid response plan implemented

NSW DPINSW DPILCA’s

Implement appropriate surveillance • high risk roads and highways monitored during the growing season.

• all other high risk sites inspected during the growing season.

LCA’s

Monitor the effectiveness of eradication programs • monitoring systems according to best practice maintained for controlled outbreaks.

• outbreaks on private property regularly reinspected.

• follow-up control treatments made.

• detailed records of all outbreaks maintained

LCA’s

G O A L 3 : T H I S G O A L I S N OT A P P L I C A B L E TO T H I S S T R AT E G Y.


PAGE 12

G O A L 4 : C A PA C I T Y

E N S U R E N S W H A S T H E A B I L I T Y A N D C O M M I T M E N T TO M A N A G E PA R T H E N I U M W E E D


4.1 Objective – Government manages Parthenium weed on public land

Ensure control obligations are effectively applied by land managers.

• Outbreaks on private property are reported.

• Outbreaks on private property are controlled.LCA’s

Adequately resource Parthenium weed management • Statutory responsibilities funded from CR

• Initial control of new incursions supported by New Incursions Fund.

• Grant funding sought for defined activities under Goals 1 & 2

• enhancement of clean-down facilities at the Queensland border,

• maintenance of the Parthenium Weed Taskforce,

• communication projects.

NSW DPINSW DPI NSW DPI

Develop and implement management plans for public land

• Regional management plans developed.

• Regional management plans implemented.

Regional Weeds Committees


4.2 Objective – Private landholders are motivated to manage Parthenium weed proactively

Develop and implement targeted communication campaigns that increase target audience awareness and understanding

• Communications plan developed by 2011.

• Increased reports of potential incursionsPWTF

Publicise success stories and also the penalties for non-compliance

• Media stories produced and released. NSW DPI


4.3 Objective – increased community involvement in effective Parthenium weed management

Develop and implement targeted communication campaigns based on surveys of community perceptions

• Improved community ability to ID Parthenium weed. PWTF

Identify further opportunities for community involvement

• Increased involvement of existing community groups. PWTF

PAGE 13


4.8 Objective – Roles and responsibilities defined for Parthenium weed management

Ensure roles and responsibilities for each stakeholder are clearly defined and understood

• Regional Weed Management Plans will be user friendly documents.

Regional Weeds Committees

Maintain the Parthenium Weed Taskforce for the management of Parthenium weed in NSW

• Biannual meetings held. NSW DPI


4.11 Objective – Monitor progress of implementation of the NSW Parthenium Weed Plan

The Convenor of the PWTF will monitor implementation of the Plan

• The Strategy meets its objectives NSW DPI

M O N I TO R I N G , E VA LUAT I O N A N D R E P O R T I N G

Monitoring and evaluation are essential to the continued development of the strategy to gain efficiencies and to obtain best results. Parthenium infestations are subject to reinspections on annual basis. This work is undertaken by local government and NSW DPI staff. Reinfestation’s are both treated and reported to NSW DPI and recorded on the notifiable weeds database. Vigilant monitoring has resulted in all known infestations being suppressed over a period of 29 years.

Evaluation would include assessing changes in distribution of the weed (current versus potential), determining efficacy of the various control techniques and their integration, determining changes in rate of spread, frequency of locating new infestations, and assessments of the costs and benefits of the strategies.

The NSW government has adopted a statewide strategy for monitoring NSW natural resource management targets. The Natural Resources Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement (MERI) framework seeks to measure long-term trends in NSW’s natural resources and the effectiveness of specific management actions to sustain them.


PAGE 14

M I L E S TO N E S

Milestones are a way of showing achievements in the life of a plan or strategy. The following milestones are synonymous to the outcomes in this document and attempt to show how we will make progress to achieve the goals in the strategy. This strategy is subject to a five year cycle of review and its implementation will be monitored by the NSW Parthenium Weed Task Force. Annual reports will be made available to all stakeholders.

GENERAL

M1 Report on the implementation of the Parthenium Strategy to the NSW Parthenium Task Force Yearly

GOAL 1

M2

M3

GOAL 2

M4

M5

GOAL 3

M6

M7

A B B R E V I AT I O N S

NSW DPI: Department of Primary Industries

LCA: Local Control Authority

RWC: Regional Weeds Committee

PWTF: Parthenium Weed Task Force

F U R T H E R R E A D I N G

Blackmore, P.J. and Gray, P.J. (2008) Primefact 707 – Parthenium weed Primefacts NSW Department of Industry and Investment – Primary Industries, Orange, NSW Australia. pp. 4. http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/256590/Parthenium-weed.pdf

Navie, S.C., McFadyen, R.E., Panetta, F.D. and Adkins, S.W. (1996) The Biology of Australian Weeds: 27. Parthenium hysterophorus L. Plant Protection Quarterly 11, 76-88.

Parsons, W.T. and Cuthbertson, E. G. (2001) Parthenium weed. Noxious Weeds of Australia CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood VIC Australia pp. 292-6

NEW SOUTH WALES PARTHENIUM STRATEGY

2010–2015

Documents

NEW SOUTH WALES PARTHENIUM STRATEGY · NEW SOUTH WALES PARTHENIUM STRATEGY 2010–2015 PAGE 4 In 1994 it was estimated that Parthenium weed caused Queensland graziers an annual loss