Project description

The Cradle Coast Regional Weed Management Strategy (2005) was developed in response to the significant threats posed by existing and potential weeds, and in recognition that the most practical and effective way to manage a number of these is at the regional level. 

Implementation of the Regional Strategy commenced in early 2006. The project is managed in-house by Cradle Coast NRM.

Achievements

In 2006 a range of structural reforms and on ground weed control programs were established, including:

Structural reforms:

• Employment of a Regional Weed Strategy officer
• Establishment of a Regional Weed Management Committee
• Quarterly meetings of municipal weed officers
• Development of Regional strategies for pampas, ragwort, poa aquatica, and Coastal Weeds
• A weed mapping program

Key on-ground programs in 2006 included:

• Gorse control – Latrobe, Kentish, King Island and Devonport municipalities
• Boneseed control – all boneseed outside the core area of Penguin to Heybridge
• Eradication programs for serrated tussock and bridal creeper
• Local Government Incentive Program
• Community Weed Control Small Grants Program

Delivery of incentive programs is on target to achieve the following goals in the Cradle Coast region by end of 2007:

• Control of all known boneseed
• Control of all known gorse in King Island, Kentish and Devonport municipalities, and either control or containment of all known gorse in remaining municipalities, with all sites contractually committed to three year maintenance program
• Control of all known bridal creeper and serrated tussock
• Engagement of all nine local governments in regional weed control program
• Regional strategies completed for pampas, ragwort, poa aquatica and coastal weeds, and implementation of each strategy commenced. 
• Additonally, Regional Weed Hygiene strategy completed and implementation commenced.

For further information

Contact Greg Taylor, Regional Weed Strategy Officer on 6431 6285.