Preparedness the key for weed control

Natural Resources Minister Craig Wallace has urged Central Queenslanders to keep an eye out for parthenium weed as summer storms roll across the region.

Mr Wallace said given suitable conditions, parthenium weed could grow and produce flowers at any time of the year.

“While the drought has delayed widespread germination of the declared weed, it may only take one significant rain event for seedlings to establish, particularly in weakened pastures with sparse ground cover,” he said.

“Parthenium weed normally germinates in spring and early summer, but current conditions suggest that dormant seed stored in the soil may germinate when either rain, soil moisture or air temperature is favourable.

“It is essential that landholders be prepared to respond to parthenium weed outbreaks as they occur, saving them and their neighbours’ time and money spent on broadscale control.”

Rockhampton-based Natural Resources and Water (NRW) principal land protection officer Greg Jones encouraged landholders to ask for a weed hygiene declaration before being supplied with anything that may be contaminated with parthenium weed seeds.

“The weed hygiene declaration meets the legislative requirements of a written notice under the Land Protection Act 2002,” Mr Jones said.

“Under this Act, written notice is required before supplying anything that is, or could be, contaminated with parthenium weed seeds.

“Failure to supply a written notice can incur a penalty of up to $30,000.

“The drought has already had such a massive impact throughout the region, and it’s in landholders’ best interest to limit their risk of infestation.”

While a weed hygiene declaration provides valuable information on whether something is contaminated, prevention through responsible pasture management and property hygiene practices remained the best management approach, he said.

“Drought and subsequent reduced pasture cover create the ideal window of opportunity for parthenium weed to establish when good conditions return,” Mr Jones said.

“It’s a case of employing best-practice prevention techniques, such as ensuring adequate pasture coverage leading up to the wetter parts of the year, and being prepared to respond quickly to isolated outbreaks of parthenium weed.”

High resolution photographs of parthenium weed available on request.

Media contact: NRW Central West Region media and communications officer Rachael McDonald on (07) 4938 4373 or at rachael.mcdonald@nrw.qld.gov.au

Minister’s office: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0407 692 654.