WAP UNVEILED: Achievements and path forward | Jodie Lawler
Tracks
| Tuesday, August 5, 2025 |
| 1:10 PM - 1:30 PM |
| Parthenium Theatre |
Speaker
Mrs Jodie Lawler
Senior Project Officer - Grants
NSW DPIRD
WAP UNVEILED: Achievements and path forward | Jodie Lawler
Abstract
Reflecting on Five Years of Progress and Planning for Tomorrow:
The NSW Weeds Action Program (the Program) has achieved significant milestones over the past five years and faces various challenges. We will review the Program’s objectives, strategies, and outcomes from 2020 to 2025, and explore the potential benefits of transitioning to a multi-year grant model. The Program has been instrumental in reducing the risk of priority weeds across the state. Data for this review will be collected from program reports, stakeholder feedback, and performance metrics. The analysis focuses on aligning the Program activities with the NSW Invasive Species Plan and the Biosecurity & Food Safety Strategy. The Program has successfully implemented numerous weed management initiatives, resulting in significant reductions in weed infestations and improved biosecurity outcomes. Key achievements include enhanced training for biosecurity officers, effective statutory reporting, rapid response to new weed incursions, strong partnerships with Local Control Authorities (LCA), additional surveillance for State Priority weeds across the state, including the eradication and treatment of State and Regional Priority Weeds. Transitioning to a multi-year grant model could provide greater stability and continuity for weed management efforts. This approach would align with LCA planning cycles, improve resource allocation, and enhance job security for weed officers. The potential benefits and challenges of this transition will be discussed.
Keywords: NSW Weeds Action Program, biosecurity, cost-benefit analysis, weed management, multi-year grants, Invasive Species Plan.
The NSW Weeds Action Program (the Program) has achieved significant milestones over the past five years and faces various challenges. We will review the Program’s objectives, strategies, and outcomes from 2020 to 2025, and explore the potential benefits of transitioning to a multi-year grant model. The Program has been instrumental in reducing the risk of priority weeds across the state. Data for this review will be collected from program reports, stakeholder feedback, and performance metrics. The analysis focuses on aligning the Program activities with the NSW Invasive Species Plan and the Biosecurity & Food Safety Strategy. The Program has successfully implemented numerous weed management initiatives, resulting in significant reductions in weed infestations and improved biosecurity outcomes. Key achievements include enhanced training for biosecurity officers, effective statutory reporting, rapid response to new weed incursions, strong partnerships with Local Control Authorities (LCA), additional surveillance for State Priority weeds across the state, including the eradication and treatment of State and Regional Priority Weeds. Transitioning to a multi-year grant model could provide greater stability and continuity for weed management efforts. This approach would align with LCA planning cycles, improve resource allocation, and enhance job security for weed officers. The potential benefits and challenges of this transition will be discussed.
Keywords: NSW Weeds Action Program, biosecurity, cost-benefit analysis, weed management, multi-year grants, Invasive Species Plan.
Biography
Jodie Lawler has over 25 years of experience in project and weed management. Currently a Senior Project Officer at DPIRD, she previously served as a Regional Weed Coordinator with Local Land Services. Jodie has played a key role in the NSW Weeds Action Program, aligning it with the NSW Invasive Species Plan and the Biosecurity & Food Safety Strategy. Her work has fostered strong partnerships and contributed to effective weed management across NSW. At the upcoming NSW Weeds Conference, Jodie will present “WAP Unveiled: Achievements and the Path Forward,” sharing insights from the past five years and exploring future strategies.
