Weed Spotters Network Queensland
Prevention and early intervention are the most cost-effective means of dealing with potential, new and emerging weeds in Queensland.
The Weed Spotters Network Queensland aims to find, identify and document those new occurrences of potential weeds at an early stage so that preventative actions can be taken.
It seeks to continue a community-based weed alert system in Queensland, based on the model developed by the previous Cooperative Research Centre for Australian Weed Management.
The cost of weeds to Australian agriculture now exceeds $4 billion per year. No estimate has been made of the cost of weeds to the environment.
Help detect weeds
You can help detect weeds by sending specimens for identification.
Complete an application form to register for the Weed Spotters Queensland Network.
Weed spotters receive a weed spotters bulletin each month with information on current and emerging weeds and weed spotter activities along with a list of regional contacts. Weed spotter resources are available to assist weed spotters and coordinators with weed identification.
Weed Spotters Network Queensland eLearning
This eLearning course has been designed to provide members of the Weed Spotters Network of Queensland, and interested members of the public with information on how to:
- understand how Queensland manages biosecurity risk of invasive plants (weeds),
- learn more about weeds in Queensland and where they might occur,
- understand your general biosecurity obligation for weeds,
- identify Queensland prohibited category weeds using key characteristics,
- be an effective and informed member of the Weed Spotter Network of Queensland,
- confidently report a prohibited weed,
- stay safe and minimise health risks and hazards while weed spotting.
At the end of the online course, we will tell you how you can contact the Weed Spotter Network of Queensland [WSNQ] coordinator confirming your successful completion.
Access the online course: Weed Spotters Network Queensland eLearning.
Weed spotter key participants
Weed spotters
Weed spotters report, collect, identify and deliver specimens of potential, new and emerging weeds in their region.
They can be landholders, gardeners or members of community groups such as Landcare, Bushcare, Society for Growing Australian Plants, along with Australian, state and local government officers, industry representatives, and anyone else interested in weeds and plants.
Regional coordinators
Regional coordinators help identify and filter weed spotters' specimens and pass them onto the Queensland Herbarium.
They also provide feedback to weed spotters in that region about new and emerging weeds found, and help with training, resources, and accessing government information.
Weed Spotter Project Officer
The Weed Spotter Project Officer coordinates the network across Queensland, provides training and raises awareness of weed issues through a monthly newsletter, media releases, website and publications.
Queensland Herbarium
The Queensland Herbarium (part of the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation) identifies and verifies weed specimens, incorporates some of them into their specimen collection, and enters the label information into databases (HERBRECS and Wildnet). The Herbarium also notifies Biosecurity Queensland, and other government officers in the region, of any new naturalisations or new occurrences of declared weeds and any potential new and emerging weed species.
Biosecurity Queensland
Biosecurity Queensland (part of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries) provides leadership and support for management of invasive plants and animals in Queensland.
They develop policy, legislation, pest risk assessments, research, state-wide coordination of pest programs, and communication and education awareness programs.
Local councils
Local councils work in partnership with other agencies to implement Local government biosecurity plans, and provide information on weeds in their local area.
Landholders
Landholders in Queensland have a responsibility to manage declared weeds on their properties, and are encouraged to be on the lookout for new weeds.