Section 5 Case studies - Weeds Australia
Section 5 Case studies - Weeds Australia Section 5 Case studies - Weeds Australia
Landholders meeting to discuss project. Don Clinton 4. Raising knowledge levels. To begin with, the project area was defined by the erection of four large signs at key entry points to the Landcare area. The signs highlighted the areas were infested by serrated tussock and African lovegrass. As well, the project team hosted a local seminar, titled ‘Recovering the Monaro’, where key speakers demonstrated a holistic approach to weed control, and emphasised the need for vegetative competition and management. Throughout the project’s fouryear NHT funded period, land holders and the community were frequently updated about the project through media releases and newsletters. 3. Increasing resources. The project provided direct cash incentives to land holders for cooperating in the program. The initial major cash injection centred on a three year Federal Government funded National Heritage Trust (NHT) grant, which was extended to four years. The grant largely paid for the project officer and specialist contractors. The application for the NHT grant defined the nature and scope of the activity, and the nature of the cooperation between the Landcare Group and Council. A significant incentive to land holders was the offer by Council to provide herbicides at a 20% discount to project participants. A majority of land holders made use of the herbicide purchase offer. In addition, land holders who chose to use contractors for some of the work associated with serrated tussock control had 40% of the contractor’s costs paid for through project funds ($5000 limit per land holder). Contractors carried out spraying operations as well as sowing competitive pasture through direct drilling method according to pre-established protocols. One hundred and three land holders took advantage of the contract work offer. The project officer coordinated several programs where small land holders worked in groups to carry out weed control on each other’s land. This had good social and educational benefits as well as pooling effort. Land managers were then assisted in a variety of ways to develop integrated plans for the management of serrated tussock on their land. 5. Taking action. The coordinated approach resulted in many different approaches to controlling serrated tussock. The project officer particularly noted the following initiatives: • Hobby farm owners were encouraged to carry out minimal grazing to increase competition from existing vegetation. • Land owners received help with largescale planting of improved pasture species by direct drilling. • The use and benefits of reduced rates of flupropanate application on small serrated tussock plants was demonstrated. • Small severely degraded sites that were infested with the tussock were treated by cutting mature seeding pasture with a forage harvester, transporting chopped material and spreading it, mixed with fertiliser, over the degraded site. • Some paddocks were treated with clover and fertilizer after extensive spot spraying • Pine trees were purchased and land holders were given help to plant them as buffer zones to serrated tussock seed spread. • The Cooma Rural Lands Protection Board was given assistance with rabbit control works on properties as part of their revegetation program. 102
The result According to Council, as a result of the project, about 350 land holders, representing 90% of the target area, now satisfactorily manage their weed problem. In general, there is greater management of weeds, and a greater awareness of the need for ground cover and, in particular, competitive species in the pasture. Direct drilling of competitive grasses is now widely used. Land holders and the wider Snowy River community accept that weed control is best achieved using a combination of different control methods. A positive outcome of the project is that considerable work was generated for local full and part-time contractors. These appropriately trained and experienced contractors remain available for follow up work. The future The NHT funded period of the project concluded in 2002, however, the Snowy River Shire Council continues to inspect properties and map serrated tussock infestations in the Landcare area. Council Officers inform new land holders of their responsibilities regarding noxious weeds, and provide assistance with weed identification and control techniques. Where required, Council issues notices and fines under the various sections of the Noxious Weeds Act 1993. The area has suffered from severe drought since completion of the project. Unfortunately some pastures have been re-invaded by serrated tussock as a result. Don Clinton Example of spray control on serrated tussock carried out via this project. Don Clinton Example of successful pasture improvement to replace serrated tussock done via this project. 103
- Page 1 and 2: Section 5 Case studies 1. Changing
- Page 3 and 4: Hand pulling: All farm vehicles are
- Page 5 and 6: Case Study 2 Pasture management Sum
- Page 7 and 8: Case Study 3 Controlling serrated t
- Page 9 and 10: Case Study 4 Tackling serrated tuss
- Page 11 and 12: Tea tree being used to out-compete
- Page 13 and 14: Urban serrated tussock infestations
- Page 15: Case Study 6 Cooperative approach b
- Page 19 and 20: Results of careful glyphosate spot
- Page 21 and 22: The result No serrated tussock plan
- Page 23 and 24: Case Study 10 Serrated tussock stra
The result<br />
According to Council, as a result of the project,<br />
about 350 land holders, representing 90% of<br />
the target area, now satisfactorily manage<br />
their weed problem. In general, there is greater<br />
management of weeds, and a greater awareness<br />
of the need for ground cover and, in particular,<br />
competitive species in the pasture. Direct drilling<br />
of competitive grasses is now widely used. Land<br />
holders and the wider Snowy River community<br />
accept that weed control is best achieved using a<br />
combination of different control methods.<br />
A positive outcome of the project is that<br />
considerable work was generated for local full<br />
and part-time contractors. These appropriately<br />
trained and experienced contractors remain<br />
available for follow up work.<br />
The future<br />
The NHT funded period of the project concluded<br />
in 2002, however, the Snowy River Shire Council<br />
continues to inspect properties and map serrated<br />
tussock infestations in the Landcare area.<br />
Council Officers inform new land holders of<br />
their responsibilities regarding noxious weeds,<br />
and provide assistance with weed identification<br />
and control techniques. Where required, Council<br />
issues notices and fines under the various<br />
sections of the Noxious <strong>Weeds</strong> Act 1993. The<br />
area has suffered from severe drought since<br />
completion of the project. Unfortunately some<br />
pastures have been re-invaded by serrated<br />
tussock as a result.<br />
Don Clinton<br />
Example of spray control on serrated tussock<br />
carried out via this project.<br />
Don Clinton<br />
Example of successful pasture improvement to replace serrated tussock done via this project.<br />
103
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