The Shire of Denmark will blitz Sydney golden wattle for a third consecutive year in an effort to eradicate the invasive weed in the shire.
Over winter, Shire officers have mapped reported sightings of Sydney golden wattle and Tasmanian blackwood with a long-term aim to control the weeds.
Although native to the Eastern states, the weedy wattles can take over and out-compete West Australian flora to the detriment of native biodiversity due to their fast-growing nature, prolific seed and long dormancy rates.
Sydney golden wattle has already been mapped at 200 locations during the mapping, meaning there’s still lots of work to do to get the weeds eradicated.
Contractors, in addition to the Shire parks and gardens team, are controlling the weedy wattles on reserves and road reserves during August and September.
Property owners have also been written to in an appeal to remove these pest plants as soon as possible before the weeds set seed again in spring.
Some treatment options to control the weeds include hand removal of small plants and seedlings and cutting down larger plants at ground level.
Over a number of years, there has been a collaborative effort by State Government agencies, community weed action groups and the Shire towards eradicating this plant from the region.
About half the private property owners who have been informed of Sydney golden wattle growing on their property in previous years have taken steps to remove the mature plants.
Only two populations so far have new seedlings. But no action has been taken on 39 known populations from 2021 mapping and another 65 new populations have been identified on private land from this year’s mapping program.
Shire president Ceinwen Gearon said it was important to continue to work with the community and others on the invasive species.
Being on top of the problem would keep bush areas intact and free from the impacts of these invasive species.
People who want to get involved in invasive weed volunteer management can get in touch with South Coast Bushcare Services, Green Skill and the Denmark Environment Centre.
This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 31 August 2023.
