[Swan Hill Guardian Mon 16 Aug, p. 18] -- DONNING high-visibility vests and displaying men-at-work signs, the Lake Boga Sea Scouts helped remove an invasive weed around the Lake Boga and Tresco area recently as part of a fundraiser for the community group. Swan Hill Rural City Council environment manager Sue Mahon said Department of Primary Industries funding meant council was able to help community groups to raise funds through removal of the weeds.
"This funding has not only enabled the Lake Boga Sea Scouts to raise money for their group, but has seen the funds stay within the community and also make headway in tackling the boneseed weed." Ms Mahon said.
The Lake Boga Sea Scouts were the first to identify boneseed in the region when they did a flora survey of the lake bed and foreshore last year.
The weed removal will now be followed up with WeedStop vehicle training for council staff who operate machinery, as well as raising community awareness about the boneseed weed.
Boneseed is a state prohibited weed and is classed as a new weed to the region, having only established over a small area.
"It has been recognised that it is important to control this weed before it establishes itself in order to give the region the best chance to be boneseedfree, so the challenge is to detect this invasive weed early and remove it," Ms Mahon said.
HELPING HAND: Sea Scouts Eddie Hommeihoff and Jaz Lahy helped with the boneseed removal
Boneseed, which was introduced from South Africa, is a fast growing, aggressive plant with no natural enemies in Australia and produces up to 50,000 seeds per plant, which germinate readily.
