We were engaged to develop an interim Weed Management Strategy (WMS) for an open cut coal mine to guide the management of weeds on-site to meet legislative obligations and local community commitments for an initial 12-month period.
The purpose of the WMS was to guide the management of weeds on the site to meet legislative obligations and local community commitments. This WMS included a brief desktop and literature review of the ecology of target weed species (Leucaena leucocephala and Cryptostegia grandiflora) at the site and an overview of the mining strategy, planning, and compliance context.
EcoFutures were involved in field surveys and the development of the coordinated strategy for weed management and treatment of target and declared weed species. The strategy included:
- The development of a prioritisation approach and site maps of the current infestation levels to direct weed management activities over the next 12 months.
- Determination of the most appropriate treatment methods to control existing weed infestations and prevent future outbreaks.
- Development of an implementation plan and actions to prevent the introduction and spread of weeds by plants and equipment on the site.
The WMS will ultimately lead to the development of a 5-year implementation strategy, including a pathway to employment for local indigenous people through a potential partnership with the local traditional owner group.