Ms Herbert said the rain has allowed seedling plans to get a head start on pasture and native species.

“We are seeing Paterson’s curse appearing in many areas where it has not been sighted for some years’,” she said.

“In fact, some hills in the Shire have taken on a definite mauve tinge.

”Paterson’s curse, also known as Salvation Jane, and viper’s bugloss are class four noxious weeds in the shire and must be prevented from seeding to minimise their impact on the economy, community and environment.

“Many graziers argue that this weed reduces the growth of preferred species and therefore reduces carrying capacity.

“It can also affect areas managed for conservation purposes and affect their conservation value.”

Ms Herbert said various controls such as chemical, mechanical, physical or a combination of these methods should be used to manage these species and prevent the weeds from outcompeting desirable species.

”Anyone with infestations on their land should be controlling them now. If this weed is allowed to go to seed the problem will only increase in coming years,” she said.

For more information phone council’s weeds officers on 6499 2222.