WEEDS, RIPARIAN: Habitat Management Guide, Weed management in riparian areas: south eastern Australia

Riparian corridors are particularly susceptible to weed invasion and are often invaded by multiple weed species. This susceptibility to invasion is a result of the natural disturbance processes associated with flooding, favourable environmental conditions and the continued input of weed propagules from upstream and adjacent areas. The impacts of human activities have also increased the likelihood of weeds establishing in riparian areas.

However, well designed weed management programs can achieve positive outcomes in riparian areas.

The CRC for Australian Weed Management Habitat Management Guide, Weed management in riparian areas: south eastern Australia is designed to provide assistance to managers of riparian areas in planning their weed management programs, and in so doing, highlight some of the challenges inherent in riparian weed management. Background material is provided about riparian areas and the weed species typically found in riparian areas in south-eastern Australia, particularly Victoria.

The steps required to develop an effective riparian weed management program are described. These steps outline general principles but do not provide management prescriptions for individual weed species or riparian sites.

While complementing other recent weed management guidelines, the information in this document highlights the central role played by water flow, particularly flooding, in shaping riparian areas and their weed management.