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Funding finished but continue war on weeds says CouncilAlthough the funding for the Roadside Weed Control Scheme has come to an end for this year, Latrobe City is urging landowners to continue their good work and ensure that they take action against noxious weeds before the plants go to seed. By Latrobe Shire Council - 13th December 2004 - Back to News Latrobe City’s Pest Plant Co-ordinator, Peter Steller, said that the roadside weed control scheme, funded through the Good Neighbour State Weed Initiative, had been conducted as a partnership between Latrobe City Council and the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) over the last three years.
This year the scheme has 135 successful applicants, which involves 220 landowners, who are treating a total of 325 kilometres of roadside.
"DPI’s scheme has assisted rural landholders with roadside weed infestations adjacent to their properties and it will continue again next year. However, funding applications for this season have now closed," Mr Steller said.
"The program has aided many property owners by providing chemical and limited spray equipment to individuals and groups for approved weed control on roadsides," Mr Steller said.
Mr Steller said that although DPI’s funding applications had closed for this season, it was important that landowners take their responsibilities for weed management seriously, and control roadside and on-property weeds.
"Early summer when temperatures are not quite so high, and the plants are thriving, is the best time to spray with herbicide; paying particular attention to ragwort, blackberries, thistles and Paterson’s curse," Mr Steller explained.
"Once the seeds have hardened, the spray is ineffective in destroying the seed. A number of landowners are under the impression that spraying ragwort in full flower makes the seed impotent. I must stress this is not the case," Mr Steller warned.
"Landowners should also be aware that on very hot days, when the temperature reaches more than 30 degrees, the herbicide can be lost into the atmosphere so reducing its effectiveness.
"Spraying now, on cooler days, or at a cooler time of the day will give landowners the optimum results with their spraying. Hotter weather can stress a plant and that may mean the plant does not grow to its full potential. This can lead to the herbicide not working as effectively. Spray now, before the full heat of summer, and the herbicide will impact on noxious weeds to its greatest extent," Mr Steller explained.
Mr Steller added that by encouraging landholders to participate in the control of weeds on roadsides, the native flora and fauna would benefit greatly.
"Spraying noxious weeds can prevent further land degradation, as well as reducing the haven for pest animals such as foxes and rabbits on roadsides. It also enhances native wildlife habitat and corridors," Mr Steller added.
"It is encouraging that so many landowners recognise the problem of the spread of noxious weeds here in Latrobe City and are actively taking on the responsibility to help in the fight against infestations.
"Whilst funding for DPI’s scheme has now ceased for this year, we still encourage rural property owners to keep an eye out for weed plants growing on their land and roadsides, and to spray now to prevent infestations taking hold and causing more problems in the longer term," Mr Steller concluded.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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