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Accepted manuscript

Discrepancies in Australian jurisdiction-based regulation of invasive plants

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 October 2024

Jacob Maher*
Affiliation:
PhD Student, Invasion Science & Wildlife Ecology Lab, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
John Virtue
Affiliation:
Biosecurity Advisor, JG Virtue Biosecurity Services Pty Ltd, Rockleigh, SA, Australia Affiliate Associate Professor, Invasion Science & Wildlife Ecology Lab, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Oliver C. Stringham
Affiliation:
Research Analyst, Rutgers Climate and Energy Institute, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States Postdoctoral Research Associate, Invasion Science & Wildlife Ecology Lab, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia Postdoctoral Research Associate, School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Phillip Cassey
Affiliation:
Professor, Invasion Science & Wildlife Ecology Lab, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
*
Author for correspondence: Jacob Maher; Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

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Effective regulation is essential for preventing the establishment of new invasive plants and managing the environmental, social, and economic impacts of those already established. Invasive plants are regulated by jurisdictions at a variety of local, regional, national, and international levels. Enhanced coordination of policy and regulations has been identified as a key strategy for addressing the impacts of invasive species (IPBES 2023; Pluess et al. 2012); however, coordination between jurisdictions, and even within jurisdictions, is not always considered. To review regulatory coordination in Australia, we compiled a comprehensive dataset of noxious weeds (defined as invasive plants and potentially invasive plants with controls specified in regulation) in each Australian jurisdiction (i.e., State or Territory). We found that jurisdictions on average shared c. 67% (SD = 15%) of noxious weed listings. Neighbouring jurisdictions were not more similar than separated jurisdictions in their noxious weed listings. There were significant differences in the biogeographic native ranges of noxious weeds between jurisdictions, with species native to temperate Asia being most frequently listed overall. The predominant likely entry pathway for noxious weeds in Australia was the ornamental trade. Listings were primarily dedicated to proactive control, prohibiting the cultivation of noxious weeds to avoid their naturalisation. There were 415 noxious weeds regulated in a harmonious manner across jurisdictions. However, there were 327 noxious weeds regulated by jurisdictions in a discordant manner, potentially leaving neighbouring jurisdictions vulnerable to invasion. We suggest jurisdictions reassess the regulation of these 327 discordant noxious weeds in Australia and utilise a national taxonomic standard to avoid problematic synonyms. Improved cohesion of policies could be achieved through wider adoption of existing regulatory systems and co-development of regulations between government and industry.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© Weed Science Society of America, 2024