[Ballarat Courier 08 September 2010, p. 25] --THE Department of
Primary Industries and Corangamite catchment landholders are working together to
eradicate the regionally prohibited weed, Amsinckia
spp., commonly known as tarweed. Amsinckia infestations have been
significantly reduced in the Ballarat area over the past two years as a result
of the regionally prohibited weed program, which aims to eradicate Amsinckia
from the Corangamite catchment.
DPI pest management officer Emily Davies
said known infestations in the Dunnstown, Bungaree and Buninyong areas would be
the focus of attention. "This will enable us to assess the extent of
infestations and to advise landowners on ways to reduce the spread and
eventually to eradicate Amsinckia," Ms Davies said.
"It is vital the
community understands the significant threat weeds such as Amsinckia pose to
agriculture and the natural environment and why the eradication program is so
important". An extension and compliance campaign will increase public
awareness of Amsinckia and the responsibilities of landholders.
Under the
Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, landholders are required to take all
reasonable steps to eradicate regionally prohibited weeds on their
land.
DPI is working with landholders to ensure action is taken during
the optimal treatment period. "The low distribution of Amsinckia in the
Corangamite catchment means we can realistically expect it can be managed and
eventnally eradicated," Ms Davies said. She said the DPI was taking action as
part of the future farming initiative, which enables local communities to work
together on tackling species specific weed eradication projects.
"The
project focuses on treating for eradication, all known infestations of
regionally prohibited weeds in Victoria, followed by intensive surveillance of
known infestation and areas at risk from invasion," she said.
Landholders
should report known infestations to their local DPI pest management officer. For
more information on regionally prohibited weeds contact DPI on 136 186 or go to
dpi.vic.gov.au.
Article: WeedsNews1024 (permalink) Date: 20 September 2010; 12:09:50 PM AEST