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Abstract

Mesquite (Prosopis spp.) is a Weed of National Significance and is declared in New South

Wales under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 (Class 2). Infestations of mesquite occur in far

western NSW in varying densities over an area of approximately 680,000 ha within 3 discrete

management zones to the north (200km), west (<30km) and south east (150km) of Broken

Hill.

The Western Catchment Management Authority has invested considerable funds in mesquite

management in the region since its inception in 2005, as have previous government agencies

and departments over the last 30 or so years.

This paper will explore the history of the dynamics of relationships between government led

initiatives and the legislative framework surrounding mesquite over this period and the

impact this has had on landholder’s perceptions and attitudes towards weed management and

their role in containing this weed.

Further, the paper will aim to compare these observations with the corresponding growth in

both the density and extent of mesquite infestations within the region, with the aim of

exposing where the legislative framework and government led control initiatives may have

failed or could be improved upon.

The paper will examine three levels of evidence to suggest that community-driven initiatives

offer the greatest chance of success in controlling invasive plant species. These include; a

qualitative survey of land managers (farmers) and NRM managers (government agencies)

and a review of previous government and private (landholder driven) initiatives in the region;

a quantitative evaluation of the actual extent of mesquite within the region, comparing age

classes of untreated individuals and evidence of previously treated ‘parent’ trees and; external

case studies from other regions within Australia that have taken different approaches to

managing pest plants with an emphasis on community involvement.