Barry Sampson

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To enhance Weed Biological Control with educational field days and setting up distribution networks in a way that all supporters feel they are part of creating a more natural ecosystem. Early in Australia,s history Prickly Pear was bought into the country with the first fleet by the 1920,s it was spread over 20 million hectares and advancing by half a million hectares per annum. Enter biological control with cactoblastis moths and cochineal scale insects and today it is no longer a problem. After 30 yrs experience in the Biological Control of Weeds with NSW Agriculture, CSIRO & other bodies I believe this can occur in other weeds.
The concept of Weed Biological Control is to reduce seed banks therefore it is to be viewed as a long term measure as many weeds have a huge seed bank. The density and vigor of plants can be reduced over time and the measure of success is to have a good integrated management program. All control measures available and affordable should be used as much as possible that is Biological, Chemical, Mechanical and planting preferred plants as budgets permit.
With biological control it is to try to reduce the cost of control of weeds so they can be can be more manageable in the long term. As we all are aware many weeds are a huge problem and if they can be reduced the problem is more manageable. Areas of land where terrain is rough lends itself well as other practices of control are too expensive or unsafe. It really is a childrens children program, however significant signs of reduction in targeted weeds is now occurring if the network is increased so will the weed being targeted be decreased.Cost to benefit ratio is 40 to 1 and increasing.
Patersons Curse weevil grubs in action

BENEFITS

Control Example on Patersons Curse

Bridal Creeper Agents Rust and Leaf hopper effect.

All funds used to establish, encourage participation and educate all interested parties in Weed Biological Control by increasing knowledge and agent releases and expanding network so as many people, both public and private, can be aware of best practice. Could be schools, Landcare groups, Local Land Services , National Parks , local councils and all others involved in the war against weeds.

I cannot see any obstacles for success as my experience shows this system works and I just need awareness of my expertise among groups such as Landcare,  Local Land councils, Indigenous Groups , National Parks and other people both public and private that manage land. Wish to expand network so this valuable tool is widely known.