Published on Thursday, 8 September 2022 at 4:51:55 PM
The Shire’s blitz on invasive eastern states weedy wattles continues again this year.
Shire officers have been at work mapping reported sightings of Sydney Golden Wattle and Tasmanian Blackwood within the Shire with a long-term aim to control the weeds across the region.
Although native to the Eastern States, these weedy wattles are able to take over and out-compete Western Australian flora to the detriment of native biodiversity.
These wattles are fast-growing and seed prolifically with long dormancy rates which can not only crowd out native bush, but can also act as a fire hazard.
Local contractor Green Skills Ecojobs has been engaged to carry out weed control works on infestations at more than 50 locations across the Shire throughout the months of August and September.
In conjunction with this program, the Shire is appealing directly to private property owners and residents to remove these pest plants before we move too far into the spring season.
“It is important to undertake weed control prior to the plant producing seed because those seeds can persist in the soil for up to 20 years,” Shire of Denmark Sustainability Officer Yvette Caruso said.
Treatment options to control the weeds include hand removal of small plants and seedlings, cutting down larger plants at ground level and painting the stump with glyphosate.
Over a number of years, there has been a collaborative effort by state government agencies, community weed action groups and the Shire of Denmark, to work towards eradicating this plant from the South Coast region.
“It is important we work collaboratively with the community and others to take action on these invasive species to keep on top of the problem so that we can continue to keep our beautiful bush areas intact and free from the impacts of these invasives,” Ms Caruso said.
Community members keen to get involved in invasive weed management volunteer programs in Denmark can get in touch with local community environmental organisations such as South Coast Bushcare Services, Green Skills, and the Denmark Environment Centre.
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