Five steps for successful weed control
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Identify the weed
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Determine growth and reproductive characteristics
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Determine dispersal methods
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Implement control techniques and co-ordinate works
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Monitor control works and co-ordinate follow-up works
Introduction
Victoria's flora has changed significantly - 24% of Victoria now consists of plant species not present at the time of European settlement (Department of Natural Resources and Environment, 1996). There are 313 introduced plants that have been recorded within the Geelong region (Department of Natural Resources and Environment, April 2000).
For the purpose of this kit the general definition of a weed is "a plant that has, or has the potential to have, a detrimental effect on economic, social or conservation values" (Department of Natural Resources and Environment, 1999a).
Weeds are highly invasive due to their efficient seed dispersal and reproductive mechanisms. Without control works, weeds can have a significant impact by:
- Poisoning stock
- Undermining the quantity and quality of produce
- Invading native plant communities
- Providing harbour for vermin
- Limiting access, services or recreation
- Invading waterways
- Ultimately decreasing overall land productivity.
Weed categories
Weeds can be grouped into 3 broad categories:
- Declared noxious weeds
- Environmental weeds
- Agricultural weeds.
Declared noxious weeds
In accordance with the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 noxious weeds must be controlled or eradicated. Being proclaimed as noxious gives weeds not only a higher status, but places a legal requirement on the control of these weeds. There are four categories of weeds under the Act:
- State prohibited weeds
- Regionally prohibited weeds
- Regionally controlled weeds.
Restricted Weeds - currently there are no restricted weeds declared in Victoria.
- Contact the CCMA on (03) 5232 9100 for a list of the State Prohibited, Regionally Prohibited and Regionally Controlled weeds in the Geelong region.
- Refer to the Council leaflet "Declared Pest Plants and Animals - who is responsible" which lists the organisations responsible for weeds and vermin control based on land status and roadside classification.
- REGIONALLY PROHIBITED
Serrated Tussock St John&s Wort
- REGIONALLY CONTROLLED
Paterson&s Curse
Furze/gorse
Environmental weeds
An environmental weed can be an exotic plant introduced to Victoria from overseas, a species from outside Victoria or a Victorian species that has spread outside its original distribution. Environmental weeds have no legal requirement to be controlled yet they also threaten the values of natural ecosystems. Weed invasions pose one of the most serious nature conservation problems in Victoria with &The invasion of native vegetation by environmental weeds& listed as a threatening process under State legislation of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Department of Natural Resources and Environment, August 1999). Examples include Willows and Spanish Heath.
- Refer to the Council brochure "Garden Plants are going Bush".
Agricultural weeds
Agricultural weeds, such as Bent Grass or Thistles, are weeds, which threaten crops, horticulture and pasture production.
Agricultural weeds can also be noxious or environmental weeds.
