Invasive Species
Our team takes the management of invasive species seriously within the Shire of Denmark. Weeds, feral animals, pests and plant pathogens such as dieback threaten the health and native ecology of our district. We work with community groups, contractors and volunteers to manage and control invasive species locally, but we also rely on our residents and visitors to minimise behaviours that may introduce or perpetuate invasives in our area.
On this page:
Posted 17 April 2024
Weed Strategy Review: Draft Strategy Public Comment
Submissions on draft Weed Strategy invited before Monday 6 May
Posted 23 August 2023
Eastern States Wattle Weed Control Continues in Denmark
Shire's blitz on weedy wattles from Eastern States continues thanks to community effort
Posted 30 June 2023
Accepting 'No Spray' Register Applications Now
Online form now available to opt-out of upcoming chemical weed-control program
Posted 17 May 2023
Stage 2: Extension to Wilderness Ocean Walk Trail
Shire of Denmark and DBCA collaborate to deliver next stage of popular trail
Posted 24 October 2022
Alternate Motions Passed for Proposed Trails at Mt Hallowell
Focus turns to Turner Rd, with development excluded from Mt Hallowell's 'core'
Posted 08 September 2022
Eastern States Wattle Weed Control Continues in Denmark
The Shire's blitz on invasive Eastern States wattles continues again this year
Posted 30 June 2022
Proposed Cat Local Law Now Available for Public Comment
Community invited to read proposed law and provide comment before 12 August
Posted 03 February 2022
Herbicide Spraying on Shire and Road Reserves
Weed control spraying program underway February - April 2022
Posted 13 September 2021
Sydney Golden Wattle Blitz in Denmark
Blitz underway this month as part of the Shire's weed control program
Posted 11 March 2021
Invasive Weed Control Program Underway
Community reminded to avoid picking blackberries from bushland and reserves
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What We Look After
Weeds
Did you know? 65% of weeds on the South Coast are derived from ornamental garden plants.
The Shire runs an annual Weed Control Program, in addition to dedicated monitoring programs for Sydney Golden Wattles, Blackberries and others.
Action is guided by our Weed Management Strategy, which is currently under review. You can find out more about the review on our Weeds Strategy Review project page on Your Denmark.
More information is provided below under Related Documents and Useful Links.
Dieback
We take the spread of plant pathogens such as dieback very seriously in the Shire of Denmark.
Our Town Planning Scheme Policy No.1 for Dieback Disease Management (1997) acknowledges the need to prevent the spread of dieback on both private and public lands and outlines a number of actions and strategies by which this can be achieved. These actions include developing a Code of Practice, identifying priority areas for dieback management, providing training and education to raise awareness of dieback, ensuring that dieback hygiene management measures are incorporated into Council operations, and ensuring that the spread of dieback is minimised through conditions being applied to subdivision and development approvals processes. As a consequence, Council regularly requires certified dieback-free fill to be used as a condition of subdivision approval where any earthworks/fill is required as per Action 7 of Policy No. 1.
In addition, Council has adopted A Study into the Risk of Phytophthora Dieback in Ten Peri-Urban Reserves within the Shire of Denmark (2008), with a view for the Shire to work towards implementing the recommendations stipulated within the document. Key recommendations include adhering to the TPS Policy No.1; installation of dieback signage; development of a treatment and monitoring program; raising dieback awareness through educational means; and conducting further interpretation and dieback management of the other Reserves that were not covered by the study.
The Shire has also installed dieback signage, markers and associated boot cleaning stations on various peri-urban Reserves around Denmark, has undertaken phosphite treatment and is working towards conducting further dieback interpretive mapping on Shire bushland Reserves. The Shire also conducts environmental workshops which include information on dieback hygiene management aimed at contractors, Shire staff and the broader Denmark community.
You can help prevent the spread of dieback by ensuring that appropriate hygiene management protocols are adhered to, conducting soil disturbance activities during dry conditions, and washing down vehicles and boots prior to entering any dieback-free bushland areas.
More information is provided below under Related Documents and Useful Links.
Feral Animals
Introduced species such as foxes, rabbits, pigs and feral cats can have devastating impacts on our environment. We contribute annual funding towards feral pig eradication in the Denbarker region, in efforts to reduce impacts on our Mt Lindesay National Park. A member of Council also sits on the Lake Muir / Denbarker Community Feral Pig Eradication Group.
The Shire does not run baiting programs for rabbits or foxes, as this is controlled by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Our Ranger Services team can provide cage traps for hire to assist residents who suspect the presence of a feral cat in their area. The RSPCA Guidelines for the Use of Humane Cat Traps applies. More information is provided below under Related Documents and Useful Links.
Biosecurity
In 2021, Council endorsed an Owl-Friendly campaign to eliminate the use of second generation anticoagulant rodenticides in all Shire operations in efforts to protect predator birdlife in the area. For information about domestic animals, please visit our Ranger Services page.
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Weed Control Program
Our Weed Control Program targets invasive weeds on our road verges and reserves. The goals of the program are to keep weeds under as tight control as possible, while also achieving fire mitigation outcomes.
Our Methods
Weed control is carried out using a number of methods, including mechanical and manual weed removal, as well as targeted chemical spray use. The program occurs at different times throughout the year, depending on the the target species, weather considerations and more.
No Spray Register
Residents can apply to have the boundaries of their property exempted from the herbicide spray program by completing a No Spray Register application form.
Applying to be listed on the No Spray Register means you are committing to undertake the responsibility for weed management on the verges surrounding your property. Applications open for the No Spray Register every winter and remain valid for two years. For more information, please contact our hard-working Reserves team.
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Farm, Plantation and Vineyard Biosecurity
Agriculture is the largest employer and economic driver in the Shire of Denmark according to 2021 Census data.
It's important we all do what we can to protect this vital industry by respecting biosecurity protocols and refraining from entering private property without permission. More information is provided below under Useful Links.
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Related Documents
Weeds
Dieback
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Useful Links
Weeds
Dieback
Feral Animals
Farm, Plantation and Vineyard Biosecurity
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Contact
Our Sustainability Officer can be reached at (08) 9848 0300 or enquiries@denmark.wa.gov.au.
Our Reserves Team can be reached at our Depot on (08) 9848 0356 or enquiries@denmark.wa.gov.au.
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