Weed control a priority across North West Travelling Stock Reserves

21 Jun 2021

Improved seasonal conditions and recent rain events have seen a significant increase of pest weed incursion over Travelling Stock Reserves (TSRs), yet North West Local Land Services is committed to the ongoing control of pest weeds on TSRs within its region.

North West Local Land Services TSR Team Leader Wayne Garnsey said rain over the past seven months has resulted in increased weed incursions over the 160,000 hectares of TSRs in the region.

“There has been a large incursion of Mother of Millions in the Narrabri area which North West Local Land Services field staff are working hard to control,” Mr Garnsey said.

“Along with field staff, we have two contracting teams helping to bring this Narrabri incursion under control.

“We are currently prioritising a number of weeds across TSRs in the region including Harrisia cactus, Hudson Pear, Tiger Pear, St Johns Wort, Mother of Millions, Blackberry, African Boxthorn, Green Cestrum, Noogoora and Bathurst Burr.

Remaining committed to the ongoing control of pest weeds on TSRs within its region, North West Local Land Services will spend $350,000 on contract weed control this financial year.

“In addition to 11 contractors employed, we have six field crew with spray plants carrying out seasonal inspections and treatment,” Mr Garnsey said.

Maintaining the biosecurity of TSRs is a key principle of the NSW TSR State-Wide Plan of Management which aims to ensure that the future TSR management aligns with Indigenous, conservation, livestock production, recreation and community priorities.