Invasive plants and animals

Invasive plants and animals are a significant threat to biodiversity. They include exotic plant and animal species as well as over-abundant native species, which live in both the aquatic environment and on land. The CMA recognises that species may be invasive in some areas but not in others, and that the species targeted for action should reflect the impact they have on biodiversity.

Namoi CMA will focus on species that are considered invasive, and a threat to native vegetation and habitat or which cause other environmental damage eg. erosion. Additionally, activity will be focused on prevention/limitation of spread, rather than eradication or control of extensive weeds.

Targeted species are those that have the greatest negative impact on assets with environmental, economic, social or cultural values and for which there is potential to reverse the negative impact with available resources. (NRC 2005)

Namoi CMA aims to support the work of organisations which have responsibilities for weed and pest animal control eg. local councils, weed advisory committees and Rural Lands Protection Boards (RLPB). The CMA will contribute to coordinated efforts, particularly in strategic planning, and the coordination and implementation of activities that focus on weeds and pests that pose a threat to native plants and animals in the Namoi Catchment.