Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002:front:0:p67
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 193595–196475

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 Management Act 2001 (NT) applies to the park in so far as it is not inconsistent with the EPBC Act, this plan or the EPBC Regulations.

Management issues

    * Overall weed threat to park values
  The highly invasive nature of a number of significant weeds present in the Kakadu lowlands and wetlands presents a major challenge for park management. Despite considerable and ongoing investment in management of these species, they are proving difficult to contain. In the face of limited resources, future weed management will need to focus on priority areas of the park.

    * Weed–fire interactions
  Some highly invasive weed species such as mission grass and gamba grass cause dramatic increases in the intensity of fire. Warmer temperatures associated with climate change are likely to accentuate this.

    * Weeds present in the park but not yet well-established
  Some weeds such as gamba grass and belly ache bush are currently present in small and/or isolated patches. Park staff, Bininj/Mungguy and visitors need to take care not to spread weed seed around the park. It is possible that current sleeper weeds, particularly broader-leafed species, may become more invasive under warmer climatic conditions.

    * Potential new weeds
  Highly significant water weeds such as water hyacinth, alligator weed and cabomba would have dire consequences for wetlands if introduced to the park. Park management needs to remain vigilant to ensure new species are not introduced and that, if detected, they are very quickly eradicated through 'early detection and rapid response'. Vehicle, vessel and equipment hygiene is important and levels of awareness within the community need to be improved to minimise the risk of accidental introduction of weeds.

    * Existing infestations in Jabiru and other lease areas
  There are significant infestations of mission grass in Jabiru and other lease areas, and also several ornamental and garden plants, such as coffee bush (Senna occidentalis), with potential to be significant weeds.

    * Myrtle rust
  Myrtle rust is a serious fungal disease that affects plants in the Myrtaceae family and has the potential to have a devastating impact in the park should it spread here. Myrtaceae in any humid environment will be most susceptible, especially Melaleuca and riparian forests and rainforests around springs in the sandstone and lowlands. How much it will affect species in more open woodland environments remains to be seen, but they are likely to be less susceptible.

    * Biosecurity
  There are many other plant pests that could potentially impact on park species. Work needs