Update on the National Weed Biocontrol Pipeline Strategy | Shauna Potter
Tracks
| Wednesday, August 6, 2025 |
| 10:40 AM - 10:50 AM |
| Frogbit Room |
Speaker
Shauna Potter
Director & Principal Consultant
Wild Matters Pty Ltd
Update on the National Weed Biocontrol Pipeline Strategy | Shauna Potter
Abstract
Biocontrol is a powerful tool to manage weeds at the landscape scale, yet it requires ongoing inputs to maintain a pipeline of potential agents to address an ever-increasing number of established weeds. The National Weed Biocontrol Pipeline Strategy was established to encourage and guide investment in weed biocontrol research, development, and extension (RD&E), based on national weed priorities (CSIRO & CISS 2023).
As part of the implementation of the strategy, a National Weed Biocontrol Prioritisation Framework has been developed to enable transparent and robust selection and assessment of candidate weeds for biocontrol. Application of the framework has resulted in the release of National Weed Biocontrol Prioritisation Results. This report presents the outcomes of weed threat and biocontrol prospect assessments for 125 weed species. The results guide transparent, evidence-based decision-making to support a balanced and sustainable biocontrol research pipeline across Australia.
The final stage of the project is to develop a National Weed Biocontrol Investment Report, which will outline five-year research and extension investment activities for priority weeds across the biocontrol pipeline. The investment report will help align national effort, facilitate strategic collaboration and provide confidence for long-term funding commitments. Together, these tools aim to secure the future of weed biocontrol as an effective and scalable solution to Australia’s most persistent weed challenges.
As part of the implementation of the strategy, a National Weed Biocontrol Prioritisation Framework has been developed to enable transparent and robust selection and assessment of candidate weeds for biocontrol. Application of the framework has resulted in the release of National Weed Biocontrol Prioritisation Results. This report presents the outcomes of weed threat and biocontrol prospect assessments for 125 weed species. The results guide transparent, evidence-based decision-making to support a balanced and sustainable biocontrol research pipeline across Australia.
The final stage of the project is to develop a National Weed Biocontrol Investment Report, which will outline five-year research and extension investment activities for priority weeds across the biocontrol pipeline. The investment report will help align national effort, facilitate strategic collaboration and provide confidence for long-term funding commitments. Together, these tools aim to secure the future of weed biocontrol as an effective and scalable solution to Australia’s most persistent weed challenges.
Biography
Shauna has worked in the natural resource management sector for 25 years. Her focus has been on ecological restoration and revegetation, policy, invasive species management and monitoring and evaluation for major programs. She has experience in both the public and private sectors, including local, state and Australian government, and has also worked extensively with community groups and industry. Shauna is a Director at Wild Matters, a biosecurity consultancy that specialises in strategic planning, risk assessments, policy review and development and extension material and publications for pests and weeds. She enjoys working with people to identify and solve problems, improve processes, evaluate achievements and communicate outcomes.
