Government “gloves up” to battle prickly problem
Published Monday, 23 October, 2006 at 02:59 PM
Minister for Natural Resources and Water
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Cacti are emerging as a serious threat in the Longreach region and the Queensland Government is stepping up the crusade against the prickly problem.
Natural Resources and Water Minister Kerry Shine said several cacti species had been identified as a concern throughout western Central Queensland under the Reclaim the Bush – A Pest Offensive program.
In June this year, the Government committed an additional $11 million over three years for the program as part of the Blueprint for the Bush strategy.
Mr Shine said it was important stakeholders worked together to fight the further spread of cacti.
“Reports of cactus show it’s spreading further out, making it difficult to ride and muster on properties,” Mr Shine said.
“It is a weed that has no enemies – which makes it potentially similar to the prickly pear.”
Mr Shine said herbicide and water-based spraying trials on Coral and Snake cactus were being conducted across the central west region.
“Landholders have been using diesel to help eradicate the plants in the past, but it is hoped these new trials with water-based chemicals will reduce the costs of eradication,” Mr Shine said.
Mr Shine said the potential impact of cacti was highlighted in Longreach during Weedbuster Week earlier this month with cactus displays at the local saleyards and shopping centre.
Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW) Longreach-based land protection officers in conjunction with Desert Channels Queensland and Longreach Shire pest management staff are conducting trials of water based herbicides on Coral and Jumping Cholla cacti in the Central West Region near Longreach.
NRW Longreach principal natural resource officer Mike Chuk said there were 11 members of the prickly pear family considered weeds in Queensland.
Mr Chuk said the weeds, which remained confined to particular areas, had the potential to invade significant areas of the State with considerable economic and environmental consequences.
“Coral, Snake and Jumping Cholla cacti can all be found in western Queensland,” Mr Chuk said.
“Jumping Cholla and Snake cactus have established in the Longreach area while Coral cactus is found in several areas of western Queensland, from the Cunnamulla area through Blackall, Longreach, Winton and then as far north as Prairie.”
Mr Chuk said targeted cactus control programs were in place on six properties in the Longreach area, complementing work of Longreach Shire to control cactus on stock routes and reserves.
“The Longreach Landcare Group has been active in supporting landholders with nine Weedbuster days held over the past four years,’’ Mr Chuk said.
“The greatest success to date has been controlling a significant Coral cactus infestation over an area of 500 hectares near the DarrRiver, north west of Longreach.
“More than 95% of this infestation has been sprayed.”
Cacti evolved in arid parts of North and South America and are ideally suited to Australia, a continent which has no native cacti species.
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3896 3689 or 0418 197 350