Foreword On behalf of my fellow committee members, I am pleased to present this improved community focus and localised support in managing skeleton report outlining the delivery and outcomes of the 2015/16 Skeleton Weed weed. Program to the contributors of the Grains, and Hay Industry Funding The efforts of the Program staff to effectively deliver the Program in Scheme. almost 50 shires across the wheatbelt, and the effort put in by growers As 2015/16 was my final year as Chairperson of the Grains, Seeds and and the Local Action Groups is to be commended. Over the past five Hay Industry Funding Scheme management committee, I would like to years I have had many opportunities to witness first-hand the incredible take this opportunity to reflect on the achievements we have made passion and enthusiasm of the staff and local groups, and thank them for through the Program. their tireless efforts. The contributions of WA grain, seed and hay producers have enabled a The review of the declaration status of skeleton weed by DAFWA has comprehensive and effective Program to control the spread of skeleton been at the front of the committee's mind during 2015/16. We are weed across the south-west of the State. As I have mentioned in awaiting advice as to what any potential change in the declaration status previous reports, it is well-documented that skeleton weed would be may have for the Skeleton Weed Program and anticipate consulting the widespread throughout the wheatbelt without a coordinated control contributors to the Scheme on this during 2016/17. It is an important role program. As such, the Program provides important benefits our industry of the management committee to ensure the Scheme continues to deliver as a whole. benefits to the WA grains, seeds and hay industries, and provides value for the investment of grower funds - and to do this in strong consultation Over the past year, we have worked with the Department of Agriculture with the industry. and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Program. We have invested in research to better target and provide more cost-effective surveillance - specifically, modelling the spread of skeleton weed to enable surveillance activities to Barry Large be targeted to the areas of greatest risk; and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to detect the weed. Changes have also been made to assist six Chairman Grains, Seed and Hay Industry Funding Scheme Local Action Groups undertake further on-ground works and facilitate an Management Committee
Foreword On behalf of my fellow committee members, I am pleased to present this report outlining the delivery and outcomes of the 2015/16 Skeleton Weed Program to the contributors of the Grains, and Hay Industry Funding Scheme. As 2015/16 was my final year as Chairperson of the Grains, Seeds and Hay Industry Funding Scheme management committee, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the achievements we have made through the Program. The contributions of WA grain, seed and hay producers have enabled a comprehensive and effective Program to control the spread of skeleton weed across the south-west of the State. As I have mentioned in previous reports, it is well-documented that skeleton weed would be widespread throughout the wheatbelt without a coordinated control program. As such, the Program provides important benefits our industry as a whole. Over the past year, we have worked with the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Program. We have invested in research to better target and provide more cost-effective surveillance - specifically, modelling the spread of skeleton weed to enable surveillance activities to be targeted to the areas of greatest risk; and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to detect the weed. Changes have also been made to assist six Local Action Groups undertake further on-ground works and facilitate an improved community focus and localised support in managing skeleton weed. The efforts of the Program staff to effectively deliver the Program in almost 50 shires across the wheatbelt, and the effort put in by growers and the Local Action Groups is to be commended. Over the past five years I have had many opportunities to witness first-hand the incredible passion and enthusiasm of the staff and local groups, and thank them for their tireless efforts. The review of the declaration status of skeleton weed by DAFWA has been at the front of the committee's mind during 2015/16. We are awaiting advice as to what any potential change in the declaration status may have for the Skeleton Weed Program and anticipate consulting the contributors to the Scheme on this during 2016/17. It is an important role of the management committee to ensure the Scheme continues to deliver benefits to the WA grains, seeds and hay industries, and provides value for the investment of grower funds - and to do this in strong consultation with the industry. Barry Large Chairman Grains, Seed and Hay Industry Funding Scheme Management Committee