War on Western Weeds Good Neighbour Program

WoWW was a 5-year, $1.88 million Queensland Government initiative managed by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF). It commenced mid-2013 and concluded in mid-2018.

Prickly acacia and bellyache bush are 2 of Australia’s worst weeds because of their invasiveness, potential for spread, and economic and environmental impacts. Both are well-established throughout parts of Western Queensland. These weeds can overtake pasture and natural grasslands, interfere with stock management, and contribute to erosion. Bellyache bush is also toxic to humans and animals.

The WoWW initiative focused on three key areas:

1. Refining new tools and approaches
2. Improving biosecurity systems
3. Exploring biological control opportunities

WoWW focuses on an area where prickly acacia has a significant impact – roughly bounded by Hughenden, Julia Creek, Winton, Longreach, Barcaldine and Aramac. The project will also target other strategic infestation areas such as Central Queensland, and the lower Gulf between Burketown and Normanton.

Project outcomes help the fight against prickly acacia and bellyache bush across Queensland.

The WoWW initiative was delivered collaboratively with community, industry and government stakeholders through ‘Community of Practice’ approaches.

Critical to this was the partnership with Southern Gulf NRM who contributed Technical Officer support to the initiative, the input of a project advisory group, the direct involvement of multiple innovators, as well as the participation of over 60 landholders.

View the original case study

War on Western Weeds story map.