These 7 principles of invasive species management are provided in the Queensland Invasive Plants and Animals Strategy to provide a common basis for the management of weeds and pest animals throughout Queensland.
The consideration of all these principles is critical to the success of any management activity, regardless of scope and scale.
Integration, collaboration and coordination
Managing invasive plants and animals is an integral part of managing natural resources, biodiversity and agricultural systems.
It is best when integrated at every level by landowners, land managers, First Nations People, community, industry and government.
Strategic risk-based planning
Planning for the management of invasive plants and animals is most effective when guided by the latest research and best practice, and when focused on risk-based decisions and greatest return on investment.
Shared responsibility and commitment
Effective management of invasive plants and animals requires shared responsibility and long-term commitment by everyone in the biosecurity system, including landowners, land managers, First Nations People, the community, industry groups and government.
Everyone must play their part by fulfilling their general biosecurity obligation to minimise risks and impacts of invasive plants and animals on the economy, the natural environment, health and our way of life.
Capability building through education and awareness
Public education and awareness campaigns on invasive plants and animals will increase the community’s capability and willingness to participate in management and control.
For long-term best practice management, Queensland needs ongoing, targeted capability and capacity building within industry, regional natural resource management organisations, community groups (such as Landcare), and local, state and national governments.
Prevention, preparedness and early intervention
Risk-based prevention, preparedness and early intervention are the most cost-effective approaches for managing invasive plants and animals.
This approach is assisted by:
- developing and implementing early detection, diagnostics and monitoring systems
- effective regulation and enforcement
- preventing spread, especially human-assisted spread.
Best practice and research
Management is most effective when following evidence-based practices that protect the environment and the productive capacity of natural resources while minimising impacts on the community.
Ongoing research and extension programs inform the development, promotion and implementation of best practice management and policies. Sustained effort in controlling established invasive species and mitigating their impacts is required as part of best practice.
Monitoring and evaluation
Regular monitoring and evaluation of control activities, including the establishment of baselines and reporting on agreed shared datasets, is needed to inform evidence-based decisions and adopt a practice of continuous improvement of management practices.
These principles are most effective when they are:
- used by all partners in the biosecurity system to guide planning and investment
- implemented through strategies, plans, and actions across all management levels.
Last updated: 30 Jul 2025