Inquiry into the impacts of invasive plants (weeds) and their control in Queensland (LAPSED)

Committee Details

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about the inquiry

In accordance with s.92(d) of the Parliament of Queensland Act 2001, the Agriculture and Environment Committee has resolved to investigate and report to Parliament on the impacts of invasive plants (weeds) and their control in Queensland, particularly whether:

  • the responsibilities of local governments in relation to the control of prohibited, restricted and invasive plants imposed under s.48 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 are reasonable, and local governments are meeting those obligations
  • programs for the control of weeds on Crown land administered by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines are effective
  • Biosecurity Queensland’s weeds programs, including biological controls and new technologies, are adequately funded and effective at controlling weeds
  • environmental programs administered by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection impact favourably on weed control programs administered by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and local governments, and
  • federal, state and local government weeds programs are coordinated to maximise their achievements and to have a whole of government approach.

As it is not possible to examine government programs for all weeds, the committee resolved to examine the impact of three invasive plant species as case studies for the inquiry:  

  • giant rat’s tail grass (Sporobolus pyramidalis and Sporobolus natalensis)
  • fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis), and
  • prickly acacia (Vachellia nilotica)

View: Paper No.3: Inquiry into the impacts of invasive plants (weeds) and their control in Queensland

This information paper can also be viewed under the Related Publications tab.

View: Media Release - Parliamentary Weeds Inquiry coming to Gatton  
View: Media Release - Parliamentary Weeds Inquiry coming to Gladstone 
View: Media Release - Inquiry into the impacts of invasive plants (weeds) and their control in Queensland  
View: Media Release - Parliamentary Weeds Inquiry coming to Barcaldine  
View: Media Release - Parliamentary Weeds Inquiry coming to Hughenden

These media releases can also be viewed under the Related Publications tab.

For each case study, the committee held: 

  • Inspections of weed-infested properties and treatment and control methods

The committee was keen to see the impacts of weeds first-hand, and to learn about the costs and effectiveness of treatment and eradication programs that are being implemented by landholders and others.  

  • Informal roundtable meetings

The purpose of these meetings was to confirm with local stakeholders the points made in written submissions to the inquiry. The discussions at these meetings assisted the committee to identify the key issues to cover with witnesses during the public hearings.

  • Public hearings

The committee held hearings to question invited witnesses from government agencies, councils, NRM groups and other stakeholders about the impacts of weeds and how they are being managed, and opportunities and challenges ahead.  

Giant Rat's Tail Grass Case Study

Public hearing:  27 April 2017, Gladstone

Other supporting information:


Fireweed Case Study

Public hearing:  4 May 2017, Gatton 

Tabled documents:

Other supporting information:

 
Prickly Acacia Case Study

Public hearing: 19 June 2017, Hughenden

Public hearing: 20 June 2017, Barcaldine

Other supporting Information:

submissions

Submissions closed Monday, 16 January 2017. Accepted submissions can be viewed under the submissions tab.

TIMELINE

Public briefing:  10 May 2017

Public hearing:  14 June 2017

Public hearing:  25 October 2017

This is a proof of the transcript of proceedings. Any corrections/errors reported by witnesses and/or members must be approved by the Chair of the successor committee. 

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