Summary
This project estimated the economic costs imposed by blackberry infestation across the Murray Region Forestry Hub. The goal was to quantify costs where possible and provide evidence to support discussion about improved blackberry management.
The project used a two-part approach. First, it carried out a detailed economic analysis of softwood plantations, estimating both weed control costs and productivity losses over a plantation rotation. Second, it provided a qualitative and indicative assessment of costs on grazing land and conservation areas, based on available data, assumptions, and published sources.
The study found that blackberry infestation imposes significant annual management costs across the region. In plantations, average annual costs were estimated at around $41 million per year, mostly in reduced timber growth. Indicative estimates suggested further annual costs of about $27.5 million for grazing land and $2.85 million for conservation land.
The report concludes that blackberry impacts are tenure-blind and recommends that coordinated, long-term and cross-tenure management and research be considered to reduce these substantial costs.
Acknowledgement of funding
This report was commissioned by the Murray Region Forestry Hub with funding from the Australian Government, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Disclaimer
Reports prepared for Regional Forestry Hubs, and any recommendations contained in the reports, are provided as received by the Hub and are not endorsed positions of the Hub. They do not constitute Australian Government policy.
