Weeds, pests and disease management

Many animal and plant species from other countries were introduced into South Australia throughout the early years of European settlement. A significant number of these, being outside of their native range and not subject to their usual predators, became invasive and impacted on large areas of the SA landscape.

The need to manage pest animals and weeds became vital for the continuing viability of agricultural production.

Legislation has been the primary tool of governments to manage pest animals and weeds, but with varying degrees of success. Within 16 years of the colony of South Australia being established, legislation had been passed to control stray horses and dogs (including dingoes), and for landholders to manage the weed Scotch thistle on their land.

Over 140 Acts or Amendment Acts relating to the control of pest animals and/or weeds have been passed in this state until 2019. In addition, but to a lesser extent, policy decisions were used, such as offering a reward for the destruction of dingoes.

There have been many successes and disappointments around both established and more recently introduced pest animals and weeds. The scientific advances over the last 70 years have made great strides in reducing their detrimental impact on agriculture, the environment, and public safety.

Key elements of controlling the introduced species include:

• policy and legislation measures
• quarantine
• plant and animal protection
• eradication programs.

The following South Australian history pages have been of significant effort by landholders, with support and advice provided by the Government.