Invasive species

Invasive plants, animals and diseases threaten native biodiversity because of their ability to change and destroy habitats and ecosystems.

They are the number one cause of native animal extinctions in Australia.
They are the second biggest threat to river and stream areas and nationally important wetlands.
They are the third biggest threat to threatened ecosystems.

Invasive species can also harm social and economic assets. They may affect primary industries including agriculture, forestry and fisheries. They can also affect recreation, tourism and cultural values, including sites of significance to indigenous people. Weeds alone cost the Victorian economy over $900 million each year.

To protect the environment from the threat of weeds and pest animals, the government applies a biosecurity approach. This approach focuses on preventing new infestations of weeds and pest animals, and mitigating the impacts of established species on social, environmental and economic assets. The recently released Invasive Plants and Animals Policy Framework aims to protect our native flora and fauna from harm while also preventing losses to primary producers.

The Department of Environment and Primary Industries plays an important role in setting policy and legislation and guides government investment to achieve desired outcomes.

Protecting public land from invasive species: Towards a biosecurity approachoutlines the approach for managing invasive species public land.

Protecing public land from invasive species - towards a biosecurity approach

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Protecting public land from invasive species - towards a biosecurity approach

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To find out who to contact about weeds and pests on public land, please see Invasive plants and animals on public land: Roles and contacts.

Invasive plants and animals on public land - roles and contacts

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Invasive plants and animals on public land - Roles and responsibilities

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	Invasive plants Weed management on public land
	Invasive animals Pest animal management on public land
	Weeds and pests projects Invasive species management on public land under initiative funding
	Good Neighbour Program Invasive species management at the interface of public and private land
	Invasive diseases Phytophthora cinnamomi management on public land

For further information on invasive species in marine and aquatic environments see Marine Pests and River Health (Our Water Our Future website).