The workshop process is best described by an example, specifically the workshop held in
Rockhampton, Queensland, in October 1993,
focussing on parthenium,
Parthenium hysterophorus. Parthenium has been recognised as a major pasture weed in Queensland since 1975. The
Queensland Department of Natural
Resources and Mines (NRM) has responsibility for policy development and implementation of control measures for exotic weeds, such as
parthenium, in Queensland. A roadside spraying program was initiated in 1976 and the biological control program in 1977; both are still in operation. Spraying of roadsides and isolated infestations was seen as a stop-gap measure until successful biological control could be developed. Control using herbicides was not economically feasible except over small areas and for the short term.
Options for the long-term management and control of parthenium had not been formally reviewed since 1975. Biological control had been partially successful but the level of control was inadequate. Research into biological control was running out of
'easy' options and there was a need to assess progress to date and to determine future directions and funding needs.
