Charles Darwin University - Palmerston campus - Weed Management Plan (2018 management season)

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Logic

Weed Management Plan for Charles Darwin University’s Palmerston campus outlines an operational approach to reduce the impacts of gamba grass and other introduced grasses, prevent re-establishment, and manage related fire risks. The plan is based on a March 2018 site survey, using weed distribution and density observations to define aims, objectives, and sector-based targets. It also records key statutory weed and fire obligations and recommends specifically timed late wet season control actions, including chemical treatments prior to flowering or seeding.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

Executive Summary

Introduction

Weed management obligations

Key risks and considerations

Weed survey results, discussion and recommendations

CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY Palmerston campus WEED MANAGEMENT PLAN (2018 management season) 2018 © Little Falcon Consulting Part A 1. Executive Summary Charles Darwin University (Palmerston campus) owned section 4244(?) is located approximately 15 kilometres from the Darwin CBD and occupies a total of approximately 40 hectares. Weeds, and in some areas potentially fire management, present issues for maintaining integrity at this site with issues evident on site at inspection during late March 2018. Little Falcon Consulting presents an integrated strategic weed management plan detailing aims and objectives in addition to providing recommended actions for the 2017/18 weed control season. For the purpose of developing, implementing and updating this plan the project site was surveyed and mapped in March 2018. Weed distribution data and notes taken during this assessment/survey have been used to formulate this weed management plan. Fuel loads and/or firebreaks were not assessed during this survey however it was noted that no compliant firebreak was in place on the eastern boundary and that areas of potentially high fuel loads also exist inclose proximity to adjoining properties. Management objectives suggested include the eradication of target species (specific grasses) in areas immediately adjoining property boundaries and the containment/reduction of other “internal” infestationsin order to reduce the likelihood of spread and further establishment within the property. Some minor areas of other species including the declared species such as snakeweed (Stachtarpheta spp) and neem trees (Azadirachta indica) are also identified as short term eradication targets. To achieve these objectives a range of specifically timed actions are suggested focussing on the implementation of targeted late wet season chemical control programs prior to flowering/seeding in order to remove and reduce existing grass weed populations and prevent the further establishment of weeds and subsequent build-up of fuel loads in specific areas. 2: Introduction: The aim of this weed management plan is to reduce the impact(s) of gamba grass and other introduced grasses on Charles Darwin University Palmerston campus, prevent any reestablishment of these grasses and provide an operationally based document that will assist in guiding on-ground management in order to reduce and mitigate the impacts and risks associated with unplanned fire. In addition to this this document also provides a recommendation to eradicate small infestations of other specific declared weeds prior to further spread and establishment. As such this document provides: - An outline of the distribution and density of all target weeds found on Charles Darwin University Palmerston campus. - A listing of the key risks and legislated management obligations that are relevant to the current and potential weed management status of Charles Darwin University Palmerston campus. - - A clear description of the aims and objectives relating to each management sector. These are weed management targets. - A clear description of how weed management targets will be achieved (including management methods to be used and the timing of their implementation) . Figure 1: Charles Darwin University Palmerston campus (indicating site extent and boundaries) . 3: Weed management obligations: Gamba grass: -declared a Class B/C weed (growth and spread to be controlled) -active management program required under NT Weeds Act. Neem: -declared a Class B/C weed (growth and spread to be controlled) -active management program required under NT Weeds Act. Snakeweed: -declared a Class B/C weed (growth and spread to be controlled) Perennial Mission grass: -declared a Class B/C weed (growth and spread to be controlled) Annual Mission grass: -NOTE this species is not declared in the NT. -high fuel load risk: NT Fire and Emergency Regulations (Section 4: accumulation of combustible mate

FAQs

What is the primary goal of the weed management plan for Charles Darwin University (Palmerston campus)?

To reduce the impacts of gamba grass and other introduced grasses, prevent re-establishment, and guide on-ground management to mitigate risks associated with unplanned fire.

Which weed species are covered by statutory management obligations in the plan?

The plan addresses gamba grass, neem, snakeweed, and mission grasses, with gamba grass, neem, snakeweed, and perennial mission grass identified as Class B/C weeds requiring active management under the NT Weeds Act.

How does the plan propose to control target grass weeds over the 2017/18 season?

It recommends specifically timed actions, focusing on targeted late wet season chemical control programs implemented prior to flowering or seeding to reduce existing grass populations and prevent establishment.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Logic