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Bushfires and Weed Invasion

Wellington Shire Council is urging landholders to be on the lookout for weed invasions as regrowth starts after the recent bushfires.

By Wellington Shire Council - 13th February 2007 - Back to News

"We fully appreciate that landholders have urgent issues such as loss or damage to their houses, livestock or machinery after the fires," said Steve Dickson, Director Community and Development for Wellington Shire Council.

"Nevertheless weeds emerge at this time and can quickly takeover burnt land if not controlled promptly."

Weed invasion after fires can increase the fire risk of property, decrease productivity and cost a lot of money if left uncontrolled.

"There are a few simple steps landholders can take to save time, money and future stress whilst they recover from a fire," said Mr Dickson.

Steps landholders can take include:

  • Check the origin of fodder and ask the vendor to provide written certification on what it contains
  • Try to source fodder locally to prevent new weed species entering the district
  • Feed out in a confined area away from waterways and keep an eye out for new seedlings in livestock dung
  • Clean vehicles after delivery of fodder to avoid transporting weeds to other areas

It is also important to inspect areas that may have been burnt or had vehicles travelling through them during the bushfires.

"Bare earth fire breaks also disturb the soil, creating ideal conditions for soil-stored seed to germinate. They also make space and light available for weeds to grow," said Mr Dickson.

Landholders are advised to watch these areas and control any new weeds emerging before the problem becomes unmanageable. Some of the weeds that are likely to appear after a fire or soil disturbance are;

  • English Broom
  • Flatweed
  • Onion Grass
  • Docks
  • Sorrels
  • Thistles
  • Cape Weed
  • St John’s Wort
  • Paterson’s Curse

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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