Participants will come from throughout Australia to attend the 10th Queensland Weed Symposium at Yeppoon's Capricorn Resort, from July 26-29.

With more than 220 registrations, the event has proven so popular that organisers may have to cap attendance, although a few spots are still available.

This major weed event with a focus on climate change is back in the CQ region after an absence of almost 20 years. The inaugural weed symposium was held in this region in 1990, as a forum for coordinating efficient, practical and safe control of all nuisance weeds.

Presentations, interactive panel discussions, trade displays and field trips showcasing the latest in weeds research and management will be features of the event. Details are at: http://www.wsq.org.au/10thWeedSymposium/home.html . 

Symposium chairperson Trudy Baker says that significant changes have occurred over the past 2 decades that have shaped weed management practices today.

"These changes present challenges and adaptations to ensure efficient control, prevention or containment of weeds."

Assistant coordinator Dr Susan Kinnear of CQUniversity Australia said University staff would be chairing sessions and Rockhampton Campus academics Diane Goldsworthy and Dr Leo Duivenvoorden were contributing presentations. CQUniversity is also a Gold Sponsor of the event, with Rockhampton Regional Council as Platinum Sponsor.

Dr Susan Kinnear

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.  The outcomes of CQUniversity's research funded by the 'Defeating the Weeds Menace' project will be presented at this forum.   

Meanwhile, CQUniversity and Capricorn Pest Management Group have arranged a generous Masters of Applied Science Project Grant to facilitate weed research on hymenachne in Central Queensland. Applications remain open for studies in 2010 and enquiries should be directed to Kerrie Thompson on 07 4923 2630 or research-enquiries@cqu.edu.au .