The much anticipated Blackberry Impacts project has come to a conclusion after deviating from its original scope to include the much required socio-economic modeling. The Hub hosted almost 60 stakeholders in Albury October 31, for the Strategic Blackberry Forum. Guest speakers set the scene for an afternoon of brainstorming and commitments to resources in order to develop the Strategic Action Plan.
Key highlights from the report MURR-2022-016a Blackberry Impacts Report – Stage 1
- 44 Interviews were conducted during the information gathering and stakeholder engagement stage of the report. Stakeholders from various backgrounds such as industry, landcare, national parks, crown lands, fire management, research, weed advocacy groups, government departments, and landholders.
- The report documents the extensive number of strategies and plans that exist at all levels of government to address this Weed of National Significance. However in some cases it is not listed for management activities.
- The report documents the multiple agencies involved in biosecurity and weed management at state and federal government levels and outlines their function in relation to invasive weed management.
- The available information sourced in the report suggests that at all levels of government, the blackberry is categorized as ‘Asset Based Protection’ only, suggesting the return on investment is minimal and lacks government spending priority. Yet, in many reports, such as the report completed by the Natural Resources Commission, it is ranked as the most problematic.
- The reports suggests that despite the lack of coordinated government funding, there is an overall desire to work collectively, with a long-term strategy to manage the blackberry infestation to manageable levels.
- The need for a genuine, well funded and well researched biocontrol will be necessary to manage blackberry at scale. This combined with collective efforts was seen as providing the most positive outcome. Respondents raised concerns about the ongoing use of chemical treatment on the localized environment.
- Blackberry will continue to and further restrict access to productive land if not managed.
Key highlights from the report MURR-2022-016b Assessment of costs imposed by Blackberry infestation – stage 2
- ABRES and other state and federal weed agencies estimate the cost imposed to the Agriculture sector of Australia to manage weeds at nearly $5billion.
- This is the first report that quantifies the impact of blackberries on forestry land management and production.
- The cost of managing blackberries for softwood plantations as well as the production loss incurred through competition for land is significant. It is estimated that the production loss can be up to 5 mean annual increment (MAI) or cubic metres per hectare.
- Costs for managing Blackberry infestation in forestry areas within the MRFH boundary is approximately $5.16m/year.
- Overall costs, including lost production based on a MAI of 3m3 is nearly $42million/year.
- Regional impacts were quantified in the report in order to understand the flow-on impacts associated with production loss. The total potential reduction on regional economies in the Hub is $306million/year.
The Hub has engaged with the relevant department(s) on the outcome of stages 1 & 2 and look forward to further advice on the outcome of the workshop and the Strategic Action Plan.
Please find the relevant documents related to this project via the links below:
Blackberry Impacts Report – Stage 1
MRFH Assessment of costs imposed by Blackberry infestation