Australian Academy of Science 2020 Fenner Conference on the environment - Managing wild and weedy Australia across boundaries and disciplines

Abstract

In Australia, almost all native ecosystems have been invaded or are vulnerable to invasion by exotic plants. Concerns about the environmental and agricultural impacts of invasive plant species have resulted in billions of dollars being spent on practices that limit their spread and reduce their extent, millions of dollars invested in invasive species research and untold numbers of volunteer hours dedicated to removing weeds from areas of high local and environmental value. Despite more than a century of significant time and resources devoted to weed management and some success stories, wave after wave of plant species continue to invade and advance across the country.