Prevention is best: Protecting Australia from future environmental weed threats

Abstract

The national priority list of exotic environmental pests, weeds and diseases was released in November 2020. An implementation plan to identify and prioritise risk reduction actions was finalised in 2022. The list, developed collaboratively with over 100 experts, informs activities to prevent the entry, establishment and spread of exotic species that can negatively impact Australia’s environment and/or social amenity. As examples of pests known to cause severe negative impacts, the future threats of four of the weeds on the list are detailed here to support preventative action.