Published on Wednesday, 23 August 2023 at 2:13:04 PM
The Shire of Denmark’s blitz on Sydney Golden Wattle continues for a third consecutive year in a targeted effort to eradicate invasive weed across the Shire.
This winter, Shire officers have been back at work mapping reported sightings of Sydney Golden Wattle and Tasmanian Blackwood with a long-term aim to control the weeds across the Shire.
Although native to the Eastern States, these weedy wattles can take over and out-compete Western Australian flora to the detriment of native biodiversity due to their fast-growing nature, prolific seed and long dormancy rates.
Sydney Golden Wattle has already been mapped at 200 locations within the Shire during the comprehensive mapping program, meaning there’s still lots of work to do to get the weeds eradicated.
The Shire is engaging contractors in addition to the parks and gardens team to control the weedy wattles on Shire reserves and road reserves during the months of August and September.
Property owners have also been written to in an appeal to remove these pest plants as soon as possible before the weeds set seed again in spring.
Some treatment options to control the weeds include hand removal of small plants and seedlings and cutting down larger plants at ground level.
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.
The positive news is that approximately half the private property owners who have been informed of Sydney Golden Wattle occurring on their property in previous years have taken steps to successfully remove the mature plants with only two populations so far showing a recurrence of new seedlings.
Unfortunately, 39 known populations from 2021 mapping have not been actioned and a further 65 new populations have been identified on private lands from this year’s mapping program.
“It is important we continue to work collaboratively with our 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,” Shire President Ceinwen Gearon 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.
For further information please visit the Shire Invasive Species webpage at: https://www.denmark.wa.gov.au/residents/sustainability-and-biodiversity/invasive-species.aspx
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