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Pest Plants and Animals - Your questions answered

Hepburn Shire Council answers your questions

 

Q: With regard to the control of weeds and pest animals, what public areas is the Hepburn Shire responsible for managing?

A: Council manage Council managed roadsides (i.e. all roads apart from the main arterials (inc. Daylesford-Trentham Rd) and the forest roads managed by DEECA.

Council manage a small number of Reserves, including the Domino trail.

and the Lyonville Town Hall.

Council can also play a role in education of residents and as an advocate for public land management with other agencies.

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Q: What is the Shire’s approach to managing roadside weeds in and around Lyonville? Is it planned and coordinated or ad hoc? What is the shire’s aim - To eradicate roadside weeds completely or just keep to a minimum?

A: Roadside weeds in Lyonville are currently managed in an ad hoc basis (i.e. in response to community service requests), however they are moving to a more strategic approach through a Roadside Conservation Plan. That is, previously treated roads are added to a schedule to ensure follow up.

Treatment will vary according to the context and species involved. That is, eradication where feasible, otherwise containment in areas where a weed is prevalent on adjoining properties. 

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Q: What methods/chemicals are used to control the weeds? Are these methods effective and how often is re-treatment required?

A: Methods will vary according to species and context and might include multiple stages including pre-treatment such as a biomass reduction by machine followed by chemical treatment. Where possible, selective herbicides are preferred as these retain the competition of grasses that can reduce reinfestation.   

For most infestations treatment is required to address regrowth stimulated by the initial control (i.e. from dormant rootstocks or soil-borne seed). A typical woody weed schedule might include an initial treatment, a retreatment within 12 months and then re-treatment after a further 2 years, then patrol at further 2 year intervals. Typically most weed control takes place in Dec – May. 

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Q: Are any weeds a higher priority than others? If so, which ones and why?

A: Yes, Declared (noxious) weeds listed in the Catchment and Land Protection act 1994 are prioritised.  Of these, State Prohibited and Regional Weeds are a priority where they are identified, as there is a legal responsibility to control.  Boneseed and Serrated Tussock are the only other weeds in this category likely in Lyonville.

The Regionally Controlled and Restricted noxious weeds do not have the same level of priority but include woody weeds that combine impacts on visibility, fire hazard, threat to agriculture and biodiversity and are typically those most concern to residents and Council. Blackberry , Gorse, English Broom, Montpellier Broom are the most common. Holly is a non-declared weed species emerging as a particular issue locally.

While large infestations are pressing, Council is keen to ensure strategic control of small infestations and emerging weeds occurs before they can establish. This is both more cost effective and reduces the environmental impact.

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Q: Is it possible for a resident to request a section of roadside weeds to be controlled? If so, who should they speak with?

A: Yes, lodge a service request with the front desk of council this can be done online or by phone. 

 

Q: Is there anything the residents of Lyonville can do to limit the spread of roadside weeds and/or partner with the Shire in their work to manage them?

  1. Become familiar with weed species – refer to Weeds of North Central Victoria here. In addition, Council can assist with identification. 

  2. Prioritise weed control on your own property that adjoins roadsides. Identify if a coordinated approach is needed.

  3. Avoid growing environmental weeds, in particular the list of emerging woody weeds listed below.

  4. Make use of the Service request system for reporting weeds on Council land.

 

Some emerging woody weeds observed in bushland around Lyonville that are often grown or retained in local gardens

  • Holly

  • Cherry Laurel

  • Portuguese Laurel

  • Pittosporum tenuifolium cultivars (eg ‘Silver Sheen’ , ‘James Stirling’)

  • Periwinkle

  • Australian Bluebell Creeper

  • Sycamore Maple

  • Ivy

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