New group to tackle pests and weeds in Wandoan

Western Downs Regional Council is calling for landowners who would like to help tackle five of the most notorious pests in the Wandoan area.

The Pest Management Group Coordination Project will be targeting the weeds Parthenium, Giant Rats Tail (GRT) Grass and Mother of Millions as well as feral pigs and wild dogs as part of Council’s award-winning pest management program.

Acting Mayor Councillor Ian Rasmussen said that Parthenium and GRT are two highly invasive weeds which can impact greatly on the capacity and overall productivity of a property.

“These pests have the potential to cause significant detrimental effects and render quality grazing country as unproductive,” he said.

Currently the infestations are reasonably localised but they are situated at the head of two catchments, so they have the potential to spread across a large area of land quite quickly.

Cr Rasmussen believes that implementing coordinated control now will prevent a more significant impact to the wider community.

“The aim of the group is to increase the effectiveness of pest control measures as well as monitor the impacts more closely.

“Members of the group will be among the first notified of any pest control programs, potential funding and rebates that become available in the area.

“In addition, they will have access to specialised advice, experience and a large knowledge base from other organisations such as Biosecurity Qld and the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy.”

The monitoring and measuring of weed projects will be through mapping, on-ground assessments and photo standards.

The new Pest Management Group will commence pest control measures in Wandoan from September.

Any landowners who wish to be involved are invited to contact Council’s Rural Services Officer Kyle Horrocks on 0428 272 046.

This project is funded by the Australian Government under the Communities Combating Pests and Weed Impacts During Drought Program.

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Media Contact: Melanie Coultas | Senior Media & Communications Officer | 0419 048 594