National Invasive Plants Survey – we need your assistance

In recent years, Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) has taken significant steps forward in tackling the spread of invasive plants. The launch of the Grow Me Instead state booklets in April was just one of the initiatives designed to educate industry and the wider community.
NGIA is now conducting a national invasive plants survey to address the gaps in knowledge and help us establish the level of awareness growers and retailers have regarding the plants they sell.

National Environmental and Technical Policy Manager Anthony Kachenko says: “For many years now, our industry has been proactive in responding to the threat of invasive plants to our natural environment. However, the question remains, how can we continue to place industry in the forefront when it comes to invasive plant issues?”

This survey will occur in two stages:
Stage one is currently underway. It will examine annual production lists nation-wide for recognised invasive plants.

As part of stage two, a survey will be conducted to collect data from production and retail nurseries nation-wide. This survey will gauge how familiar businesses are with invasive plants and determine if these are still offered for sale.

All information gathered during this project will be kept private and used only for research purposes. Business details will not be disclosed in the final report.

With an increasing focus on environmentally sound business practice, it is vital for industry to participate in this project.

Delwyn Thomas has been engaged to lead the project. Del is a well known and dedicated horticulturist with more than 40 years experience in the nursery and cut flower industries. Anthony Kachenko, NGIA National Environmental and Technical Policy Manager will be working with Del in coordinating the final evaluation and delivery of the project.

If you would like to know more about this project or to forward your list, contact Del Thomas Ph/Fax (02) 6557 2727 Mob: 0414 678840 or email: delwyn.thomas@ngia.com.au

Note: NGIA is aware that the lists of garden plants known to be invasive vary considerably from region to region. However, we will address this when evaluating production lists and making the final report. If you wish to make special note of certain species on your list, please do so.