CEO of the Cooperative Research Centre for Australian Weed Management (Weeds CRC), Dr Rachel McFadyen, said the announcement ended a long period of uncertainty about the future of research in this field.

"The decision by the previous government in 2007 not to replace the Weeds CRC when its funding ended on 30 June this year was very controversial," Dr McFadyen said.

"Weed research delivers large benefits over long time frames across whole sectors - we have the evidence to show this.

"However, it is hard for particular companies to capture and sell the benefits of weed research in the market place, and especially hard to capture commercial returns for controlling weeds of the natural environment.

"Yet everyone agrees the work is essential."

Dr McFadyen said it will be vital for any new weed research centre to have enough independence to give 'frank and fearless' advice to government.

"The independent role of the Weeds CRC gave it great credibility in some important issues over the last seven years," she said.

Dr McFadyen said the model of an independent research centre suggested in the Minister's statement was the right one.

"It will be welcomed by all the major partners and State agencies.

"They know they need to work together and pool resources to make real progress with weed control, and this model will make that possible."