The development and implementation of a National Weed Biocontrol Pipeline Strategy

Abstract

Classical weed biocontrol has been used successfully to control invasive weed species in Australia for over 120 years. With an average benefit-cost ratio of 23:1, weed biocontrol is a proven valuable and effective approach to weed management in Australia. To date of the biocontrol programs undertaken in Australia, 39% are considered to produce complete or near complete control of the target weed and 30.5% partial control of the target weed. These successes can be attributed to the existence of a well-established regulatory pathway and national risk assessment framework that enables biocontrol to be undertaken safely in Australia. Despite this, implementation of biocontrol in Australia is at risk due
to diminishing agents coming through the research pipeline and variable research investment over time. Since 2014–15, the Australian Government has invested approximately $20 million in weed biocontrol projects, which facilitated significant co-investment by RDCs, CSIRO and the three States, but these programs are either concluded or nearing completion. In response to this identified risk and to further embed biocontrol into national weed management frameworks, a National Weed Biocontrol Pipeline Strategy was proposed. The aim of this strategy is to ensure that available research investment is allocated to sustain the research pipeline of prioritising weed candidates for research, native range exploration, risk assessment, biocontrol agent release, impact monitoring and evaluation. The strategy was endorsed by the Commonwealth and State governments in 2023 and the initial phase of the strategy implementation commenced in 2024. The development, implementation, and key deliverables of the National Pipeline Strategy such as the prioritisation of high threat weeds for biocontrol consideration will be discussed.