Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002:front:0:p66
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 190894–193842

for recreational fishing. Although mimosa is largely under control due to a huge investment of effort over many years, it remains an ever present threat to floodplain areas. A National Environmental Research Programme project shows that the success of this programme effort is likely to be negated if significant resources are not invested in the control of other exotic invasive grasses such as para grass.

Five invasive pasture grasses found in the park, olive hymenachne, gamba grass, para grass and the perennial and annual mission grasses, are listed as a key threatening process affecting biodiversity in northern Australia under the EPBC Act. A national threat abatement plan (DSEWPaC 2012) has been developed to reduce their impacts. Six species found in the park are listed on the Australian Government list of Weeds of National Significance.

Significant resources have been committed to priority weed management programmes, with some notable success such as the early and ongoing control of mimosa. Park staff undertake weed control programmes in accordance with annual weed management plans, and provide support to outstation residents and neighbours in weed control activities. Biological control techniques have been used to help control weeds such as salvinia and sida species, and research undertaken into the ecology and management of several important weed species has improved other control methods. It is important that management of weeds occurs on a landscape scale and across tenures; for this reason park management undertakes ongoing collaborations with neighbours, including Warddeken Indigenous Protected Area and Energy Resources Australia (ERA).

Deliberate introduction of beneficial non-native species (biological control agents)
The Cyrtobagous weevil was introduced into the park in 1983 to aid with salvinia control. Over the years it has worked extremely well in areas like the Magela billabongs but it does not appear to work as well on open floodplains or Melaleuca swamps. The sida leaf-feeding beetle (Calligrapha pantherina) has been introduced into the park a number of times. It works well in some areas but appears to die out. No adverse ecological impacts of these agents have been reported. Some mimosa biocontrol agents have been developed but not introduced to Kakadu, as they are only viable where there are extensive stands of mimosa. The risks associated with biocontrol introductions are rigorously assessed and introductions are monitored for effectiveness and unintended impacts.

The EPBC Regulations prohibit bringing plants, soil and other material into the park, or cultivating plants, except in accordance with this plan or a permit from the Director. Jabiru residents and residents of other lease areas may bring in and cultivate plants if they are on the Kakadu National Park Approved Plant List (see Section 10.13: Bringing plants, animals and other materials into the park).

The Weeds