History, status and future challenges for Mimosa pigra eradication in Queensland

Abstract

Mimosa pigra (M. pigra), one of the world’s worst weeds, was discovered on the margins of Peter Faust Dam in Central Queensland in February 2001. While infestations are extensive in the Northern Territory, this is the only known incursion of this weed in Queensland. For the past 22 years, the infestation has been the focus of a multi-stakeholder led eradication program costing over $4 million. Integrated control activities successfully controlled the original infestation within a few years of detection. Ongoing efforts have enabled the detection and destruction of seedlings, thereby progressively depleting the long-lived residual seedbank. These efforts have required adaptive management that considers the weed’s biology while also addressing surveillance gaps, refining survey focus, improving governance and enhancing stakeholder involvement. Though eradication remains on track, future challenges remain including field operational difficulties, an indeterminate eradication timeframe, evolving stakeholder responsibilities, risk-based program refinement and the continuing threat of new incursions to Queensland.