2015 – 2017

Coordinated WoNS control in Pilbara landscapes for threatened species habitat improvement

Duration: July 2015 to June 2017

Funding: $282,692

This project will contribute to the survey, identification and protection of the habitats of two threatened species (Northern Quoll and Greater Bilby) in the Pilbara IBRA region currently under threat from Weeds of National Significance. The project will facilitate co-investment in weed control programs with pastoral, mining, Indigenous and government land managers, implementing complementary cross-tenure programs that remove weed infestations from the landscape. A major focus of the project will be to assess vegetation complexes from which weeds are removed, to determine flora species return and potential connectivity of habitats suitable to support populations of the Northern Quoll and Greater Bilby.

Specific activities include:

• Regional coordination of weed management across the Pilbara
• Implement strategic WoNS control programs and collation of Pilbara data
• Establishment of field monitoring sites
• WoNS survey of the Ashburton and coast region

2013 – 2015

Weed management in the Fortescue River Catchment 2013-15

Duration: January 2013 – December 2015

Funding: $43,000 + $34,648

This project is targeting the management of Weeds of National Significance, notably parkinsonia, throughout the Fortescue River catchment. Working collaboratively with the East Pilbara parkinsonia alliance, and land managers in the lower Fortescue River, surveillance and control programs are being undertaken at Roy Hill Station and Yalleen Station. Working alongside resource companies and the Department of Parks and Wildlife, intensive management of these two infestations is aiming to achieve eradication of the species within 10 years.

Specific activities include:

• Facilitating collaborative management groups to plan and undertake parkinsonia management in priority locations
• Assist pastoralists by providing additional resources to on-ground control programs
• Develop and undertake repeated aerial surveys of infestations, to determine control program success, detect remote plant locations and determine the spread of the weed over time.