[Latrobe Valley Express, Tue 29 July 2010, p. 17] -- Winning the fight against noxious weeds BAW Baw Shire Council representatives say the council is leading the way with its roadside weed control program since taking over the responsibility from landowners. Mayor Adam Tyson said councils 2009/10 weed control program had shown a marked improvement in the control of roadside weeds. He said in the past, responsibility of controlling noxious weeds on roadsides had fallen to the landowner, with council supplying the property owners with herbicides.
"Council had become concerned about the safety of those residents who were carrying out the spraying and ultimately it was decided that the responsibility should fall with council," Cr Tyson said.
"Since then, our program has gone from strength to strength and the 2009/10 spraying program was almost completed, with a total of 351 kilometres of roadsides treated for noxious weed infestation.
"With 1,615 kilometres of council managed rural roads in the shire, it is not feasible to treat all roadsides on a yearly basis due to budget constraints and the availability of contractors but despite this, council’s program is managing the weeds extremely effectively." Environment and pest plant officer Carolyn Ferguson said the team re-mapped the roadsides once they were sprayed.
"Mapping the weeds on roadsides not only enables us to monitor the progress and efficiency of the treatment program but also allows us to produce maps for contractors," Ms Ferguson said.
"We have three preferred contractors and recently gained a fourth to assist in covering the extensive road network.
"Our long term aim is to have the roadside weed program where follow up control will be sufficient to keep noxious weed infestations on roads at a manageable level." For further information phone Ms Ferguson on 5624 2409.
Article: WeedsNews744 (permalink) Categories: :WeedsNews:roadside weeds Date: 6 August 2010; 11:36:25 AM AEST