Title: DPI tackling khaki weed in Rutherglen region
[DPI News: Thursday, November 26, 2009] The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is tackling infestations of regionally prohibited weeds, including khaki weed, in partnership with landowners in the North East Catchment. khaki weed or Alternanthera pungens is aptly named—pungens comes from the Latin word pungo, meaning‘to prick’ or ‘puncture’, and this is exactly what the weed’s sharp spines can do to bare feet and fingers and the feet and mouths of animals. Khaki weed competes with more valuable pasture plants, its burrs can cause downgrading of wooland it may be toxic to some classes of livestock.
DPI Pest Management Officer Tim Enshaw said that surveillance and compliance activities for khaki weed are taking place in areas with known infestations around Rutherglen, Barnawartha and Boorhaman North.
“The surveillance activities DPI is undertaking will enable the extent of infestations to be assessed and provide an opportunity to advise landowners on ways to reduce the spread of, and eventually eradicate, khaki weed," Mr Enshaw said.
"It is vital that the community understands the significant threat that weeds such as khaki weed pose to regional assets and why the eradication program is so important.
"Land Management Notices will be issued to ensure landholders treat the entire khaki weed infestation on their property during the optimal treatment period.
"Due to the low distribution of khaki weed, we are expecting these infestations can be managed and eventually eradicated.”
Mr Enshaw said DPI is taking action to ensure local communities work together to tackle species-specific weed eradication projects as part of the Future Farming Strategy launched by the Victorian Government last year.
"The project focuses on treating all known infestations of regionally prohibited weeds in Victoria, followed by intensive surveillance for each known infestation and areas at risk from invasion by these weeds," he said.
"In conjunction with surveillance activities, an extension and compliance campaign will be launched to increase public awareness regarding weed identification and landowner responsibilities to treat regionally prohibited weeds."
Under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, it is the responsibility of landowners to take all reasonable steps to eradicate regionally prohibited weeds on their land.
Landholders should report all known infestations to their local DPI pest management officer.