Tasmanian Weeds Action Fund
The Tasmanian Weeds Action Fund (WAF) is a $6.4 million state government initiative that supports farmers and other community organisations tackle weeds impacting valuable agricultural and environmental assets across the state.
Cotton thistle (Onopordum spp.) untreated will reseed and continue to spread.
Background
Background
In 2018, the Tasmanian Government announced the creation of a new Weeds Action Fund of $5 million over five years commencing in 2018/19. Additional funding of $1,400,000 over two years was announced in the 2023/24 state budget.
A key principle underpinning the Tasmanian Weeds Action Fund is that of “shared responsibility”. Landowners, local government and the broader community are encouraged to be strategic and work together to identify, and where possible, eradicate priority weeds that impact their land.
The initiative is designed to support and drive shared responsibility through co-investment (of cash or in-kind resources) through the life of the program and beyond, to achieve high-level value for money and enduring long-term outcomes.
Stage 1 of the WAF was delivered by Biosecurity Tasmania (from mid-2018 to 2020), and Stage 2 (mid 2020-2025) has been delivered by NRM North for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas). Projects delivered in Stage 2 are due to conclude by June 2025.
Objectives
Objectives
The Tasmanian Government Weeds Action Fund aims to:
- Provide a more strategic and targeted approach to tackling high priority weeds that affect agriculture and the environment;
- Improve the productive value of agricultural land and protect Tasmania’s natural values through removing the harmful effects of serious weed threats;
- Support landowners, local government and the broader community in tackling serious weeds with sustainable, long-term and effective actions; co-invest with landowners, local government and the broader community to make sustainable, long-term and effective actions to address high priority weeds with eradication as a key objective;
- Ensure there is a strong, coordinated link between the different levels of Government and the Tasmanian community in tackling serious weeds and the delivery of the WAF through the appointment of a Chair of the Weeds Action Fund; and
- Encourage the concept of “shared responsibility” for weed management and biosecurity in general and provide an opportunity for landowners to co-invest in removing the threat of serious weeds on their properties.
Orange hawkweed (Pilosella aurantiaca subsp. aurantiaca) has been found in open woodland and grasslands, poor pastures, roadsides and neglected areas in the Southern Midlands, Central Highlands and around Hobart.
Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) has a damaging effect on sheep as long, sharp seeds injure the animals, downgrading lamb and sheep meat, wool, skins and hides.
Stage 3
Stage 3
The Weeds Action Fund Stage 3 is being administered by NRE Tas. $1.4 million has been allocated for WAF Stage 3 and will be used to support six targeted weed projects across two years, commencing in 2025 and focusing on several priority weeds and weeds in priority regions.
The six projects cover priority weeds and specific regions of the state and include:
- North-West and Western Tasmania Priority Weeds
- Furneaux Islands Priority Weeds
- Invasive Perennial Grasses – Northern and Western Tasmania
- Invasive Perennial Grasses – Southern and Eastern Tasmania
- Foxglove Education and Awareness
- Emerging Priority Weed Threats
Further information about Stage 3 of the initiative, can be found on the NRE Tas website.
Partners
This project is funded by the Tasmanian Government through the Tasmanian Weeds Action Fund facilitated by NRM North with support from NRM South and the Cradle Coast NRM.
