Council declares war on weeds
THERE is an increased risk of new and emergent weeds spreading into the Hinchinbrook district, the council is warning.
Hinchinbrook Shire councillor Kate Milton said the March floods were mostly the result of water travelling down from the Upper Herbert River Catchment.
She said this had increased the possibility of the dispersal of weed species such as gamba grass, siam weed, mikania vine and others that have previously not been prevalent in the region.
“Council have published a Become a Weed Buster flyer that specifies how to identity and manage some of the weeds we need to be on the lookout for in the Shire, I urge you to have a read of it and share it with your friends and neighbours; the best weapon we have in the fight against weeds is knowledge and being able to identify them,” Cr Milton said.
“Tools that can help you identify weeds include the Weed Spotter App, the Hinchinbrook Local Government Biosecurity Plan, council’s website and your local agricultural suppliers; alternatively, residents can send weed specimens to either the Queensland Herbarium or Hinchinbrook Shire Council, details regarding this are in the Weed Buster flyer.”
Cr Milton said it was important landholders became aware of the weeds and how to identify and control them.
“If spotted early, landholders have a much better chance of eradicating them. Controlling a few plants before they get a chance to build up a seed bed is much easier than having to deal with a large infestation,” she said.
To see the flyer, visit the council’s website, Land and Pest Management page or the council’s main office on Lannercost St, Ingham.