Council’s roadside control program targets weed invasion

Published on 21 June 2018

Loddon Shire Council is undertaking a roadside weed control program as part of a State-Government funded program for the management of regionally-prohibited and regionally-controlled invasive plant and animal species across municipal roadsides. 

The program is currently treating high concentrations of woody weed species including African Boxthorn, Blackberry and Sweet Briar, and cactus varieties such as Wheel Cactus, Aloe Cactus and Prickly Pear Cactus. 

The roadside weed control program has been made possible through the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) from its Roadside Weeds and Pest Management Program. The program provides funding to councils to plan and implement control activities for the long-term management of prohibited and restricted weeds and pests on rural roadsides.

Chief Executive Officer Phil Pinyon said the roadside weed control program aimed to deliver, within available resources, beneficial and useful management of invasive species on Council-managed roadsides across the Shire.

“Loddon Shire is committed to working with the support of the State Government to manage pest plant and animal infestation,” Mr Pinyon said.

“During the past six months, specialist contractors have carried out weed mapping across the Shire’s 4600-kilometre road network. More than 10,000 sites of infestation were recorded as part of this audit.

“A multi-year roadside control program has been established, and provides an ongoing commitment by Council to work with the State Government in maintaining control and early prevention of the identified species.”

Other commitments within the Roadside Weeds and Pest Management Program will prioritise weed species in line with optimal control treatment seasons including Silverleaf Nightshade, Bridal Creeper, African Lovegrass, Pattersons Curse, Cape Tulip and Serrated Tussock.

Currently, works have been focused on treating targeted sites free from fenceline entanglement, and away from sites of high vegetation conservation, protected flora, fauna and cultural significance.

As the control program continues, adjoining landholders are encouraged to match efforts made on Council-managed land.

To find out more about pests and weeds, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au and click on “Pests, diseases and weeds” from the drop down menu under the “Agriculture” tab.