A sociocultural and biogeographic assessment of weed management at Bundanon Trust

Species invasions are becoming more and more prevalent globally, largely due to human influences. Certain invasive species have the ability to drastically change ecosystems, but can also have significant social and economic effects. Consequently, managing and controlling these species is a goal of many public, private, and government stakeholders. However, there are very few case studies where the various social, ecological, and economic factors affecting management have been explored. This thesis explores these various factors at Bundanon Trust, an arts Trust which also manages an area of 1100 hectares of varying land uses. Field assessments of the weed management sites at Bundanon Trust were combined with interviews with key players associated with weed management at Bundanon Trust in order to determine the exact factors which are affecting management. Through these methods, a range of factors were discerned. The key factors which were determined included public perceptions regarding weed management practices, and therefore the need for public education and involvement in weed management programs; the ability connected properties to aid the spread of weeds, and therefore the need for regional cooperation in managing weeds; and the need for long-term funding in order to implement successful weed management programs. It is critical to understand and address these factors in order to ensure that weed management programs such as those implemented at Bundanon Trust have the highest chance of success.