Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2012L02359:body:0:p7
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2012L02359
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 22315–30375

However, the category of regulation may need to vary according to jurisdictional goals.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Years 1–5
Action 2.2: Develop best-practice guidelines for use and/or management of the five listed grasses in agricultural and conservation contexts, and encourage their implementation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Medium priority  Existing guidelines promoted and further guidelines developed, where required, for management and control in agricultural/ conservation contexts

Some of these species are valuable pasture grasses. While manipulation of grazing levels can be an effective management tool in a pastoral setting, this method is unsuitable in other sites. If managed inappropriately, these grasses become unpalatable to cattle, present a fire hazard and are more likely to spread beyond property borders. Recognising this, the development and dissemination of best-practice invasive grass management information and protocols for the use of exotic pasture plants may help minimise their adverse impacts.                                                                                                                                                  Years 2–4
Action 2.3: Develop hygiene protocols, focusing on high-priority spread pathways                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           High priority    Hygiene protocols developed and provided to land managers, contractors and affected communities for implementation

Preventing the spread of weeds is the most efficient and cost-effective method of control. Understanding spread pathways and implementing effective hygiene protocols will reduce the chances of these grasses spreading into new areas. Several actions under the National Weed Spread Prevention Action Plan (AWC, 2011) are designed to increase stakeholder awareness and understanding of weed spread issues, including the importance of hygiene. Community access to information about best-practice hygiene and spread-prevention techniques is important. The identification of groups responsible for spreading these grasses will enable the development of targeted communication strategies.  Years 2–4
Action 2.4: Further develop prioritisation tools to identify high-priority areas for monitoring and management actions                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     High priority    Appropriate prioritisation tools made available for use by land managers and others making decisions on the management of natural resources

Tools and systems that allow evidence-based identification of high-risk and high-priority areas are necessary to maximise the efficient use of resources. These will help in identifying sites in which management will deliver the greatest benefits to biodiversity. Existing tools may be adapted for use with the five listed grasses.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Years 1–2

Action                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Priority/        Outcome/output
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Action 2.5: Include strategic management of the five listed grasses in management plans for all affected land tenures, giving priority to identified key assets                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         High priority    In areas containing key assets, management plans that address the suppression of outlier infestations

Effective control and spread prevention of the five listed grasses requires management across a wide range of land tenures and uses (including Commonwealth, state, territory and local government lands, conservation areas, transport corridors and private property). Encouraging land managers to address the control of these grasses in relevant management plans may lead to the containment of existing infestations. To maximise efficiency,