Publications

The Society is active in producing a number of publications associated with weed legislation, policy and management in South Australia. Some examples of the publications the WMSSA has produced are provided below.

Newsletter - WeedWise

Our most regular publication is WeedWise, the quarterly newsletter of the WMSSA. Received by all members of the WMSSA, WeedWise has grown into one of the leading sources of current weed information in the State. Since the first edition in January 2000, WeedWise has aimed to promote and provide knowledge on weedy work being undertaken in South Australia from local 'Friends of Parks' groups to statewide policy changes. Weed management initiatives and research around Australia are a common highlight and updates on up and coming Australian and international conferences, seminars and workshops are also included.

Back issues and previous articles of WeedWise coming soon..

If you would like to contribute an article, a book review or a report on local weed management intiatives to the next edition of WeedWise, then please contact the Newsletter Editor:

Susan Lawrie, Phone (08) 8201 3560 or Email susan.lawrie@flinders.edu.au

Position Paper on the Management of Feral Olives

In 2001 the Weed Management Society of SA Inc released a position statement on the management of feral olives (Olea europaea) in South Australia. The paper was developed in response to the rapid growth in the olive industry in southern Australia during the late 1990s. The presence of vast tracts of feral olives in southern South Australia (see map) is causing considerable reductions in native flora diversity. The Society is concerned that recent olive plantings will spread from olive orchards if poorly managed, leading to further reductions in native species diversity in ecosystems of conservation significance. The Society recommends that existing olive orchards be appropriately managed to prevent fruit escape, and future olive orchards be put through a risk assessment process and development legislation be amended to ensure best practice management guidelines are observed. The Society will foster dialogue to raise awareness within the olive industry and the general community. Read the position statement here

Senate Inquiry Submission

In late-2003 the Weed Management Society of South Australia Inc made a submission to the Senate Inquiry into the regulation, control and management of invasive species and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Invasive Species) Bill 2002. The Society’s submission presented case studies of management problems associated with some of South Australia’s most problematic and conflicting weeds: olives (Olea europaea); Asparagus species; perennial grass weeds. Our submission also highlights the need for adequate funding to undertake weed risk assessments, implement surveillance, early detection and eradication programs, and increase South Australia’s capacity to research and respond to new weeds, particularly those threatening native ecosystems. In June 2004 the Society was invited to appear as a witness at the public hearing (powerpoint presentation) into the Inquiry, providing us with the opportunity to clarify and re-iterate key points within our submission. Read more…

Read the Society's submission