Presentations, trade displays and field trips showcasing the latest in weeds research and management will be features of the 10th Queensland Weed Symposium, due to be held at Yeppoon's Capricorn Resort on July 26-29...

The inaugural weed symposium was held in Central Queensland in 1990, as a forum for coordinating efficient, practical and safe control of all nuisance weeds.

The biennial event returns to CQ this year and reflects on 20 years of 'Managing Weeds in a Climate of Change'. Details are at: http://www.wsq.org.au/10thWeedSymposium/home.html . 

CQUniversity is amongst the sponsors for the event, providing $10,000 for the Symposium. This amount has been matched by Capricorn Pest Management Group in sponsorship back to the University in the form of a project resource grant, to allow a Masters of Applied Science student to pursue research into weed biology in Central Queensland.

Several of our University staff members will be presenting at the event and Dr Susan Kinnear has been a key coordinator of CQUniversity's involvement.

There will be presentations on community initiatives, policy changes, new innovations, the latest research and adaptive weed management practices.

Field trips have been organised to demonstrate weed issues affecting the CQ region and activities being undertaken to reduce their impact.

Trade displays present an opportunity for companies and industry groups to showcase products and the  latest technologies available for weed management. These displays will be located in a specific area to maximise exposure and visitation by delegates during the lunch, morning and afternoon tea periods.

Dr Kinnear said the symposium aimed to bring people involved in weed management together from all parts of Queensland and throughout Australia to network with other like-minded people, including, but not limited to:

- Local Government Weeds Officers and Councillors

- Landowners and Managers

- Agribusiness and Utility Providers, including Power, Rail, Roads and Water

- State Government agencies, including Forestry, EPA, NRW, Biosecurity Queensland and DPI

- Australian Government agencies staff including WoNS Coordinators, AQIS, Department of Defence and DAFF

- NRM Bodies

- Landcare & Agforce Members

- Researchers and students involved in weed management

- Contractors and Community Project Officers.

This year, the Symposium will be held in conjunction with a one-day forum conducted by Land & Water Australia to present the outcomes of weeds R&D.  CQUniversity will present the outcomes of its research project funded by the 'Defeating the Weeds Menace' at this forum.