Title: Weed Alert at the ABC Gardening Australia Expo
[Michaela Walsh, Farm Services Victoria (Bacchus Marsh): 16 November, 2009] During October the Department of Primary Industries’ Weed Alert team exhibited at the ABC Gardening Australia Expo for the first time. Over 1900 people visited the stand over three days where they interacted with a hands-on display of State prohibited weeds (SPWs). Weed Alert staff were on hand to present information, answer questions, and explain the botanical features and invasive potential of each species.
There were 23 reports of SPWs generated during the Expo, and 12 of these were Mexican feather grass (MFG). Partnerships Officers ran a question and answer session each day on SPWs, in particular MFG. This was the first time the Gardening Australia Expo had included an exhibitor in presentations on the “Ask It, Solve It” stage.
Several members of the horticultural media stopped by the display and collected written information and interviewed staff. There were several positive comments from members of the public, such as “it’s good to see a dedicated weed department doing something about the problem”.
DPI’s Weed Alert display at the 2009 Melbourne ABC Gardening Australia Expo
