The shallow rooted crops do not use as much rainwater as native vegetation and hence more water reaches the water table, causing it to creep nearer to the soil surface. Salinity can be prevented and reversed in many cases. Weeds can be native or foreign to Australia and can be broadly defined as plants that have established themselves outside of their natural range and are reproducing. Many weeds were imported for use in agriculture or as ornamental plants. The strategy aims to reduce the threat weeds pose to natural and agricultural environments.
Weeds can also threaten the survival of native vegetation.
Some weeds cover very large areas. Other weeds have the potential to affect regions of national and international conservation importance. For example Mimosa threatens the Kakadu World Heritage Area.