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Company Fined For Lack Of Serrated Tussock Control

A company from Llowalong has been fined $500 in the Sale Magistrates Court for failing to comply with the requirements of a Land Management Notice.

By Department of Primary Industries - 27th March 2007 - Back to News

The prosecution was a result of an ongoing campaign by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to encourage Victorian landowners to be more vigilant and active in the management of weeds on their land.

F.W McHenry and Co PTY LTD pleaded guilty to two charges, was fined $500 and ordered to pay $540 in costs.

DPI Pest Management Officer, Durwin Copelin, said most landowners are very diligent in controlling serrated tussock on their land, but there are still a few who ignore this weed.

"Serrated tussock is a declared noxious weed in Victoria and is a serious threat to agriculture.

"One plant can produce up to 100,000 seeds. It is unpalatable to stock, with the leaves having a high fibre content and low protein content.

"If stock are forced to eat serrated tussock it can form indigestible balls in their rumen, causing loss of condition and later death.

"Court action is the last resort for DPI, but this should send a clear message to the community that DPI is committed to weed control," Mr Copelin said.

For more information regarding serrated tussock contact the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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