Title: Race on to stop noxious weed in Mitchell Shire
[North Central Review 12 October, 2010, p. 12] -- LANDHOLDERS in the Mitchell Shire are being asked to keep their eye out for a noxious weed before it becomes a costly problem for the region. Serrated Tussock has been creeping into the Mitchell Shire from surrounding areas for many years now. A spokesperson for the shire said landholders need to be vigilant and control the weed with the aim of full eradication.
Serrated Tussock seeds travel with the wind and are also distributed by machinery, soil, feed and livestock. A single mature serrated tussock plant can produce more than 100,000 seeds, which can remain in the soil for up to 15 years waiting for the right conditions to germinate. The spokesperson said this year’s heavy rainfall would see a large amount of seeds.
Landholders in the Mitchell Shire are being asked to work together to tackle the issue. The Department of Primary Industries has been running compliance programs around Wallan and Kilmore with landholders to ensure control measures are being undertaken and that people manage their own properties in years to come.
"Council is also vigilant to control any outbreaks on roadsides with some funding assistance provided by the Farming Future Initiative," the spokesperson said.
Mitchell Shire Council Mayor Bill Melbourne said he would like landholders to help take action.
"Now is the right time to identify and remove new seedlings by hand chipping or applying herbicide before Serrated Tussock sets seed," he said.
For further information on Serrated Tussock, call the environmental programs unit at Mitchell Shire Council on 5734 6200 or Department of Primary Industries on 136 186.