Managing Established Pest Animals and Weeds Project (MEPAAW)
The Managing Established Pest Animals and Weeds (MEPAAW) project, was a component of a broader state-wide Established Pest Animals and Weeds initiative program managed by NSW Department of Primary Industries.
The MEPAAW project saw Landcare NSW working with Landcare groups and networks across NSW to facilitate the delivery of workshops and activities aimed at increasing landholder uptake of best practice management of invasive species.
The project, valued at $600,000, engaged stakeholders in weed and pest animal management in a collaborative planning process with Landcare through a series of 11 regional workshops. These workshops developed activity plans and priorities and utilised links to the existing regional planning undertaken by Local Land Services, local government and other agencies. Landcare NSW provided funding for Landcare groups and networks to undertake activities in line with local needs and regional priorities.
Throughout the implementation of the MEPAAW project, Landcare organisations in partnership with Local Land Services, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Local Control Authorities and other partners, delivered a broad range of skills-based extension and training activities to increase landholder knowledge, and confidence in implementing best practice invasive species management. Activities have included weed identification and management bus trips, best practice management forums, workshops, roadshows and training events.
This amounted to 49 organisations delivering 133 activities to 3,371 participants targeting 60 invasive species across NSW. Additionally, activities delivered by Landcare organisations as a part of the MEPAAW project achieved a potential reach of more than 24,941 people.
The Managing Established Pest Animals and Weeds project was supported by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Landcare NSW through funding received from the Established Pest Animals and Weeds initiative, part of the Australian Government’s Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, the government’s plan for stronger farmers and a stronger economy.