Agricultural production and the environment both win from weed control program
16 Mar 2021
Landholders are reporting pleasing results from weed management works with a substantial amount of African Boxthorn being controlled through the Western Weed Management Program.
The Western Weed Management Program, coordinated by Western Local Land Services over the 2020-21 financial year, offers incentive funding for landholders to control weeds such as African Boxthorn and Mesquite which threaten the condition of the Coolibah Black-Box Endangered Ecological Community.
One such landholder that has benefitted is Jim Ireland, who along with his wife Jennifer, run “Hyandra Station” near Lake Cargelligo on the Lachlan River.
The property, which consists of river floodplain and open grazing country, has a substantial issue with African Boxthorn that is prevalent along the floodplain of both the Lachlan River and Booberoi Creek.
After carrying out the work in the second half of 2020, Jim Ireland has seen a significant improvement to the country, benefitting both the agricultural interests and local environment.
“This invasive plant was greatly impacting our stock in certain areas of the property, as well as out-competing the native flora,” Jim Ireland said.
“We found the cut and paste technique (involves cutting the stem or stump approximately 100 mm above ground level, then applying herbicide to the surface of the cut within 15 seconds) most efficient and over a period of three years we have treated 650 hectares.
“We are very pleased to have been involved in this program and will be looking to do further weed control across the property in the years to come.”
For further information on the program or weed management in general, contact Western Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 or via our Contact Us tab.
This program was supported by Western Local Land Services through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.
Media contact: Charlie Whiteley, Western Local Land Services, 0428 679 974.