The recent rains have been a welcome relief to many parts of the Snowy Monaro region, revitalising the native flora and turning landscapes lush and green. It has provided ideal conditions for many unwanted weeds to continue to flourish and spread.
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While seemingly harmless at first glance, the impact of weeds on natural vegetation can be devastating and they are estimated to cost the NSW economy about $1.8 billion annually (NSW Department of Industry, 2018).
As we head into the warmer months, Snowy Monaro Regional Council is calling on all community members to get to know our priority weeds and find out what we can all do to play our part to protect the environment, help famers and support the community.
Over the next six weeks Snowy Monaro Regional Council is sharing information on the region's priority weeks, starting this week with Serrated Tussock - the 'Weed of the Week'.
What is Serrated Tussock?
Serrated Tussock is a highly invasive exotic, perennial, grassy weed.
Why is Serrated Tussock a problem?
- It invades and crowds out useful pasture and heavily infested areas can carry very little stock.
- It out-competes native plants in many conditions reducing biodiversity and destroying habitat for native fauna.
- Controlling serrated tussock is costly to farmers and land managers.
- Grazing animals cannot easily digest serrated tussock and usually avoid feeding on it.
- It produces thousands of seeds that can blow long distances in the wind and survive for many years in the soil.
- It grows well in all areas locally, thriving in areas with low rainfall and poor soils.
- Serrated Tussock is well suited to conditions on the Monaro and poses a serious biosecurity risk to our entire region.
What can you do?
- Learn to identify and effectively control Serrated Tussock.
- Control Serrated Tussock before it produces viable seed.
- Control Serrated Tussock before it produces viable seed.
- Search your property for Serrated Tussock - plants are most obvious in winter when they have a bleached appearance and from September when purple seed heads are obvious. Call Council if you need help.
- Retain good perennial ground cover to prevent Serrated Tussock establishing and spreading.
- Consider non-chemical options including digging or grubbing out - bare soil will provide a perfect place for serrated tussock to grow again so disturb as little ground as possible and scatter some grass seed in large bare areas
- Chemical options include Flupropanate and Glyphosate. Flupropanate is a more selective and longer-acting chemical. Use Glyphosate only on actively growing plants.
- Download the free NSW WeedWise app for detailed information on how to identify and manage local priority weeds: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/weeds
- Visit Council's website to understand how we can help you with weed management: https://www.snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au/140/Biosecurity-and-Weeds
- Visit the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) website for information on weed control methods: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/weeds/weed-control
Contact Snowy Monaro Regional Council if you have any questions regarding Serrated Tussock or any other weeds on your property. Call 1300 345 345 to be connected to Biosecurity Officers who specialise in weed management.
