proposed RD&E programs and deliverables for further assessment and consideration by the RMCIC. These priorities have been identified and developed in consultation with beef producers, industry RD&E consultative entities (the North and Southern Australia Beef Research Councils) and the Cattle Council of Australia (CCA): National Sheepmeat Production RD&E Strategy The National Sheepmeat Production Research, Development and Extension Strategy was developed at the request of the Australian Primary Industries Ministerial Council. In developing the Strategy, NSW DPI and MLA have worked with all the other organisations represented on the Red Meat Co-investment Committee (RMCIC) to develop: • seven strategic imperatives that align with Australian Government, state and territory government priorities, and the RD&E priorities prescribed within the Meat Industry Strategic Plan 2010–2015 • proposed research, development and extension RD&E programs, and specific deliverables for further assessment and consideration by the RMCIC. National Wool RD&E Strategy The National Wool RD&E Strategy has been prepared at the request of the Primary Industries Ministerial Council, by the National Wool RD&E Working The Wool RD&E Program Framework consists of three programs: 1. Wool production; 2. Wool supply chain management and; 3. Demand growth and wool industry resilience and growth. These three program areas are necessary for the profitable and sustainable production of the world’s best natural fibre into the future. 2.4 Industry pest and weed RD&E reviews Prioritizations of Weeds for the Grazing Industries A Review of Recent Weed Research and Management Relevant to Australian Livestock Industries and Proposals for future Investments Meat and Livestock Australia commissioned this report in 2013 to prioritize research and development investments based on the impact of weeds to the grazing industries and the feasibility of addressing the threats and impacts from those weeds. Data from 17 independent sources were used to identify 71 species that are already widespread and abundant (“prominent weeds”) and 18 that are still relatively restricted (“emerging weeds”). Literature on the economic costs of weeds to livestock industries were reviewed. Species were prioritized using a decision tree approach based on distribution and abundance, current and potential impacts and availability of effective control
wildlife pest or disease and it is not intended that IPAC duplicate the priorities and activities of Wildlife Health Australia. 4. Socioeconomic drivers of adopting best practice 4,5,6,8 4.1 Ecological and research and modelling for better decision making This includes targeted research and improved modelling of pest and weed impacts on ecosystem services and the evaluation of management alternatives to guide decisions on the level of investment needed for both newly arrived and widespread species. Testing alternative valuation methods is identified as a priority to provide defensible estimates of impacts of invasive species on the economy, environment and community, and of the costs and benefits of competing investment options for their management. The consequences of invasive species outbreaks and sustained infestations on human psychological and wellbeing impacts are also a critically under recognised impacts, particularly for indigenous and rural communities. 2,4,5,6,8 4.2 Coordinated community engagement for better invasive species outcomes In addition to national, state and regional facilitators/coordinators, this includes extending and further tailoring existing toolkits (such as PestSmart Connect) or developing toolkit of strategies, systems and tools to increase community engagement in and coordination of invasive species management programs at an appropriate scale that optimises community ownership with effective outcomes. Priorities include: increased engagement and motivation of the urban and peri-urban community in understanding the impacts of pests and weeds, promotion of cross tenure community-led collective action, and developing better community of practice and community led and coordinated effective pest animal and weed management. Transdisciplinary approaches where stakeholders are included in project delivery from the get go maximises the likelihood that research outcomes will be end-user ready and quickly adopted. 2,4,5,6,8 4.3 Governance and institutional research to support better outcomes This includes investigating alternative funding streams (e.g. offsets) and incentivising investment in best practice invasive species management, investigating risk based approaches to investment decisions, and options and policy instruments for overcoming regulatory and administrative hurdles. 2,4,8,6 4.4 Adoption of improved standards & strategies This includes investigating the barriers to and drivers for adoption of best practice invasive species management at the local, regional, jurisdictional and national levels, and demonstrating methods to increase adoption. Understanding high risk behaviours, social psychology approaches and evidence of behavioural change leading to improved management outcomes are high priorities for future investment.