Prue Weir spoke about the issue of tropical soda apple at the Kyogle Council meeting on Monday, April 14.
Ms Weir is a part of a group of residents formed in late 2023 to raise awareness of the insidious weed.
“This is like an army of marching ants – we need to stop it now while it is still generally contained in the Lynchs, Gradys and Collins Creek valleys,” she said.
On the agenda was an item about tropical soda apple (Solanum Viarum), TSA for short, presented by Councillor Brett McNamara.
He asked that the council support a commendation acknowledging the North Kyogle Tropical Soda Apple Community Group’s efforts.
“It is an environmental disaster,” Ms Weir said.
The cost of eradicating TSA was high, she said.
“Chemicals cost $450 per drum, which can treat as little as one hectare or 20 hectares, depending on the density and terrain.
“So in a year, it is not hard to spend between $4000 and $10000, depending again on area and density.
That money should be spent on water fences and pasture improvements, Ms Weir said.
“Time is our biggest enemy and cost, time that is being taken away from managing our actual business. There are not enough boots on the ground to deal with the problem.”
While the community group Ms Weir was a part of was focused on Lynchs, Gradys and Collins Creek Valleys, there were other outbreaks in Kyogle LGA, she said.
“There is a pressing need for a lead NSW government agency to coordinate design and implement a control program.”
The group has contacted State MP Janelle Saffin and wants councillors to raise the issue with ministers.
Mr McNamara said mayoral advocacy has benefited in raising the invasive profiles of TSA, giant devil’s fig and bamboo.
Rous County Council said TSA is an invasive, prickly shrub that can grow up to 2m tall and is causing big problems throughout the Rous region.
Its growth impacts agriculture by loss of pasture yields. It is fast-growing and hardy like many weeds.
Rous said it easily spread through water, livestock, feral animals, and even birds can carry the seeds far and wide.
Anyone who thinks they’ve seen TSA, can contact the Rous Biosecurity Team on 6623 3800 or use the webform here.
This article appeared on indyNR.com on 19 April 2025.
