Keynote speaker Ben Russell
| Tuesday, August 5, 2025 |
| 10:40 AM - 11:10 AM |
| Parthenium Theatre |
Overview
NSW Natural Resources Commission | Reflections on NSW Invasive Species Management
Speaker
Ben Russell
Acting Director
NSW Natural Resources Commission
Keynote speaker Ben Russell
Abstract
Invasive species are some of the greatest threats to our biodiversity and agriculture, with resultant impacts for everyone in New South Wales. Over the past 237 years, almost 2000 introduced species have either escaped domestic use or been deliberately introduced, While the threat of invasive species is now well recognised, the existing burden of their management is compounded by the ever present threat of new species.
Invasive species are everywhere across NSW, and not all their impacts can be managed. Therefore, prioritisation is required, based on available funding, capacity to reduce impacts and the risk of not reducing those impacts. While prioritisation is often based on the invasion curve, targeting new and emerging species that can be eradicated or contained, prioritisation also needs to consider widespread species and target those areas of the landscape where their impacts are greatest.
The Natural Resources Commission undertook a review of invasive species management in New South Wales. While there is potential within the existing legislative framework for the foundations of good management, the system is not yet cohesive, and the documentation required to support the legislative system is incomplete. State and regional planning does not guide strategic investment of limited funds, and gaps in management exist around key risk areas. Siloed governance structures mean key players are not working together to tackle shared challenges. Variable enforcement of regulations undermines the legitimacy of the system.
In order for the system to work, there needs to be clear leadership at the state level with plans that identify outcomes, objectives and targets for the highest priority invasive species, but also allows for the recognition and implementation of regional priorities. Supported by state-level leadership, the establishment of committed and long-term regional coordinators to ensure effective implementation of collaborative cross-tenure programs is essential. As is the establishment of a scalable MERI system that can inform management at a local, regional and state level.
Invasive species are everywhere across NSW, and not all their impacts can be managed. Therefore, prioritisation is required, based on available funding, capacity to reduce impacts and the risk of not reducing those impacts. While prioritisation is often based on the invasion curve, targeting new and emerging species that can be eradicated or contained, prioritisation also needs to consider widespread species and target those areas of the landscape where their impacts are greatest.
The Natural Resources Commission undertook a review of invasive species management in New South Wales. While there is potential within the existing legislative framework for the foundations of good management, the system is not yet cohesive, and the documentation required to support the legislative system is incomplete. State and regional planning does not guide strategic investment of limited funds, and gaps in management exist around key risk areas. Siloed governance structures mean key players are not working together to tackle shared challenges. Variable enforcement of regulations undermines the legitimacy of the system.
In order for the system to work, there needs to be clear leadership at the state level with plans that identify outcomes, objectives and targets for the highest priority invasive species, but also allows for the recognition and implementation of regional priorities. Supported by state-level leadership, the establishment of committed and long-term regional coordinators to ensure effective implementation of collaborative cross-tenure programs is essential. As is the establishment of a scalable MERI system that can inform management at a local, regional and state level.
Biography
Ben attended the University of New South Wales, completing a Bachelor of Advanced Science in Environmental Science in 1999, and a PhD in Biological Science in 2005.
In 2006, he joined the Pests and Weeds Unit of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service as a project officer. In 2014, he was promoted to Manager of the Pests and Unit. Over his career he was heavily involved in major invasive species initiatives across NSW, working closely with stakeholders in DPI, LLS, LCAs, other government agencies and non-government organisations. He was also a member of the national Environment and Invasives Committee (EIC) and chaired both the national Weeds working group and the national Terrestrial Vertebrate Pests working group, which both report to the EIC. In 2023, he left the National Parks and Wildlife Service and joined the NSW Natural Resources Commission (NRC), to lead their state-wide review of invasive species management. He is now leading the NRC’s projects identified in the NSW Plan for Nature, looking at options to improve native vegetation management under the NSW Land Management Framework.
