SWOT analysis

General SWOT Analysis of Current Policy, Community Awareness and Resourcing of Weed Management Programs in Victoria Discussion points prepared and written by Darcy Duggan, Upper Yarra and Dandenongs Environmental Council, 30th September 2004

Yarra Ranges Weed Management Strategy

Weed Management Strategy In November 2005, the Shire of Yarra Ranges launched its Weed Management Strategy (WMS). The Strategy was developed with extensive consultation with community, industry experts and agencies to provide the Shire with an integrated framework and prioritised action plan to address the widespread issue of the weed threat to our biodiversity values. The WMS has 6 Goals linked with State and Federal directives on weed management. 1. Prevent new weed problems 2. A significant reduction in the impact of existing weed problems 3. A community aware of the economic, social and environmental impacts and threat of weeds. With a capacity to act to minimise damage 4. Effective working partnerships built for progressive weed management 5. To provide on-going research and management options concerning weeds 6. Continuous improvement through review and evaluation The key recommendations in the strategy for which the Shire is directly responsible include: • Expansion of existing public awareness campaigns • Partnership initiatives with industry e.g. the Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria to change retail practices • Advocacy for legislative reform to review the list of State prohibited species • Allocation of staff resources for implementing and monitoring the strategy • Data collection to map weed threat for treatment • Application of the Threat Matrix to determine priority areas for weed eradication • Improvements to statutory planning standard conditions, including review/expansion of Environmental Weed List-Local Policy 22.12 • Development and distribution of Planning Advice notes • Development of industry/agency partnership programs to improve industry and consumer awareness • Development and implementation of regulations to control environmental weeds Link to strategy: http://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Page/Page.asp?age_Id=1992&h=0