Invasive Species Forum

Forum Outcomes
In my view, and on the basis of feedback received from others, the forum was a success! In particular, I believe we met our three key objectives to:
1. Raise the profile of invasive species issues;
2. Facilitate a coordintated approach; and
3. Build support and capacity.

This is a brief summary of the day, some key outcomes, and follow-up items requiring our attention and action - if you read nothing else, please read these, especially the ones with question marks, as they're important:

Summary of the day
The day was extremely well organised by Sasha Nelson, with the support of volunteers and gourmet sandwich makers (Andrew Booth, et al), and expertly facilitated by Karen Alexander.

Tim introduced the day with a great presentation, outlining the problem from a national perspective, and indicating why it was important that the environment movement become more actively engaged in the issue:

immense and ongoing impact of invasive species on biodiversity - the issue warrants attention;

obvious gaps in policy - big opportunities for environmental gains;

political opportunities for change - conservative government possibly more amenable to issue; common ground on some issues with farmers.

Tim concluded by talking about the power of persuasion, communication and action - a perfect start to the day.

Tim's presentation was followed by another great talk by Darcy Duggan, looking at some critical issues concerning the legal framework, and resources and awareness, from national, state and local perspectives.

I then gave a brief overview of ISC: focusing in particular on our priorities for advocacy, strategies for achieving them, and how we might better work together.

Workshops then followed examining how we could better support one another, and what we could take back to our respective organisations to help raise the profile of invasive species and build a "groundswell of community support".

Summary of Key Outcomes

Commitment to communicating priority of issue to respective organisations.

Increased awareness about national issues.

Commitment to try to encourage 'grass roots' or 'weed pulling' groups to spend more time campaigning - and to providing groups with the appropriate triggers and resources.

In line with the above, a commitment to establishing a 'campaigners network' (to provide the confidence, contacts, expertise and advice required) and a 'one pager' to 'weed pulling' groups outlining the benefits of becoming more politically active on the issue, and where to go for help.

Commitment to communicating about ISC to affiliated organisations, and in particular getting support, including written affirmations, for our priorities for advocacy.

Overall positive feedback.

Commitment to commencing a state wide campaign aimed at reviewing the CaLP Act and noxious weeds listings.

FOLLOW UP ITEMS:

Paola to contact Sasha for a list of participants e-mail addresses, possibly as a first step towards developing "campaigners network".

Would ISC be happy to support the aforementioned campaigners network on our site? - Feedback from all councillors appreciated.

Kate, a few new members for you to follow up... I'll e-mail the details.

Steve, in collaboration with Paola, to develop a web page, including letter of affirmation for ISC to be used by campaigners to take back to organisations.

Any queries, comments or thoughts, especially on how we could build on the positive momentum generated by the forum, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Paola Parigi
Vice President
Invasive Species Council