Login | Request Account (DAF staff only)

Predicting the cost of eradication for 41 Class 1 declared weeds in Queensland

Share this record

Add to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to XAdd to WechatAdd to Microsoft_teamsAdd to WhatsappAdd to Any

Export this record

Panetta, F.D., Csurhes, S., Markula, A. and Hannan-Jones, M. A. (2011) Predicting the cost of eradication for 41 Class 1 declared weeds in Queensland. Plant Protection Quarterly, 26 (2). pp. 42-46.

[img]
Preview
PDF
210kB

Article Link: https://caws.org.nz/PPQ2526/PPQ%2026-2%20pp042-46%...

Abstract

The feasibility of state-wide eradication of 41 invasive plant taxa currently listed as ‘Class 1 declared pests’ under the Queensland Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 was assessed using the predictive model ‘WeedSearch’. Results indicated that all but one species (Alternanthera philoxeroides) could be eradicated, provided sufficient funding and labour were available. Slightly less than one quarter (24.4%) (n = 10) of Class 1 weed taxa could be eradicated for less than $100 000 per taxon. An additional 43.9% (n = 18) could be eradicated for between $100 000 and $1M per taxon. Hence, 68.3% of Class 1 weed taxa (n = 28) could be eradicated for less than $1M per taxon. Eradication of 29.3% (n = 12) is predicted to cost more than $1M per taxon. Comparison of these WeedSearch outputs with either empirical analysis or results from a previous application of the model suggests that these costs may, in fact, be underestimates. Considering the likelihood that each weed will cost the state many millions of dollars in long-term losses (e.g. losses to primary production, environmental impacts and control costs), eradication seems a wise investment. Even where predicted costs are over $1M, eradication can still offer highly favourable benefit:cost ratios. The total (cumulative) cost of eradication of all 41 weed taxa is substantial; for all taxa, the estimated cost of eradication in the first year alone is $8 618 000. This study provides important information for policy makers, who must decide where to invest public funding.

Item Type:Article
Business groups:Biosecurity Queensland
Additional Information:© RG and FJ Richardson.
Keywords:Weed eradication; class 1 weeds; eradication costs.
Subjects:Science > Invasive Species > Plants > Eradication and containment
Science > Invasive Species > Modelling > Plant
Live Archive:08 Aug 2011 02:00
Last Modified:07 Jul 2023 02:04

Repository Staff Only: item control page

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics