Economic impact of invasive species: control costs

It is estimated that weeds cost Australia at least $3.3 billion a year in lost agricultural production and weed control; this figure does not take into account any environmental cost.

Nationally $12 million has been provided by the federal government to combat the 20 weeds identified as weeds of national significance.

In NSW alone, the 2002-2001 budget for noxious weed management was $6.7 million and has shown a steady increase in recent years.

In the Northern Territory the pastoral industry is worth approximately $180 million a year. Losses due to Mimosa pigra invasion and control are estimated at $13 million annually.

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