Farmers Warned to Watch Out for Herbicide Resistant Serrated Tussock

Landholders have been warned to watch out for herbicide resistance in serrated tussock, and seek advice on alternative control strategies as soon as possible to avoid an explosion in this expensive, noxious weed across the Central Tablelands.

Serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) is an invasive perennial grass weed that can have devastating consequences for both agriculture and the natural environment. Making the situation even worse is the growing problem of herbicide resistance.  

Resistance to the chemical, flupropanate, in serrated tussock plants was first identified in Victoria in 2002 and has now spread to NSW with confirmed infestations in several locations from Goulburn to as far north as Armidale.

“We need farmers and other land managers to be alert for signs of resistance and to implement alternative control strategies before that resistance becomes widespread in the plant population,” said Phil Cranney, Senior Land Services Officer - Pastures with Central Tablelands Local Land Services.

“If the whole community works together, we have a chance of reducing the impact on farm income and the environment,” explained Phil.

Research from Tony Cook, Technical Specialist Weeds with NSW DPI, has demonstrated that a small range of herbicides are showing potential as alternatives to flupropanate for the control of serrated tussock. The new treatments are likely to become legal for use on farm with the introduction of a ‘minor use permit’ later this year.

“There’s a lot of work to be done now in testing new combinations of herbicides. Even when we find new solutions selection pressure will inevitably develop on the remaining herbicides we have available, so we will have to be more vigilant in detecting new types of resistance, and responding quickly before problems spread,” said Mr Cook.

Serrated tussock is very similar in appearance to many Australian native grasses but has very little nutritional value for livestock. Animals will eventually starve to death if only grazed on serrated tussock.

The weed can infest both native and improved pastures resulting in a dramatic loss in carrying capacity and reduced land values. It can also transform diverse native ecosystems into a serrated tussock monoculture. The reduction in biodiversity is a serious threat to native fauna and flora that inhabit infested areas.

All landholders have a legal obligation to control serrated tussock on their property. Landholders should always use the proscribed label rate when applying chemical for the control of serrated tussock.

For more information about serrated tussock and herbicide resistance contact your local weeds officer:

• Mid-western Regional Council - Sean Richardson:  02 6378 2935
• Cabonne Council – Norm Townsend:  02 6392 3202
• Upper Macquarie County Council – Laurie Waddell:  02 6338 2875
• Cowra regional council – Kevin Nelligan:  0427 629 237
• Orange City Council – Roger Smith:  02 6393 8025

For information about reducing the spread of noxious weeds by promoting a healthy and competitive perennial pasture, please contact Clare Edwards in Mudgee on 02 6378 1700 or Phil Cranney in Orange on 02 6363 7888

If you would like help differentiating Serrated Tussock from native grasses that are similar in appearance, contact your local weeds officer or your nearest Local Land Services office on: 1300 795 299. 

Project to Improve Stormwater Quality

Bathurst Regional Council is continuing its work on improving the quality
of stormwater that is captured in the CBD and makes its way into the
Macquarie River.

Council has installed two gross pollutant traps within the stormwater pits
in the CBD, one in Howick Street, the other in William Street.

Mayor of Bathurst Cr Gary Rush said the infrastructure, which is hidden
below ground, might not be visible, but plays an important role in
improving stormwater quality.

“The traps are designed to capture litter and silt from the footpath, road
and gutter before they can enter the stormwater network. Litter and other
items can easily end up in our local creeks, many of which feed into the
Macquarie River via stormwater drains.  Baskets or traps such as these can
minimise the quantity of litter in the network but it is important to
remember that every piece of litter including cigarette butts, can do damage
to our local environment."

The project builds on previous work undertaken by Council through the Hey
Tosser! Campaign which raises awareness of litter related issues and
improved infrastructure to minimise littering.

“The pollutant traps are designed to be emptied on a regular basis and the
contents sent to landfill.  This project is a pilot study and the results
will be monitored to determine the effectiveness of the traps with the view
to potentially expanding their use throughout the CBD,” Cr Rush said.

Stormwater from the CBD makes its way through a series of urban creeks that
ultimately flow into the Macquarie River.

Signage will be installed to raise awareness of the pollutant traps and to
encourage residents to dispose of rubbish responsibly to prevent damage to
the environment.

The project was provided by the Environment & Waterways Alliance and Central Tablelands Local Land Services through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Programme and NSW Catchment Action and Bathurst Regional Council.

Forum to Focus on Preserving and Creating Hollows for Native Animals

The ‘Hollows for Habitat’ forum at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo on June 23 is set to highlight the importance of preserving tree hollows in local bushland. This free event has been organised by the Central West Councils Environment & Waterways Alliance in partnership with Central West Local Land Services and Taronga Western Plains Zoo; a trio of organisations determined to improve outcomes for our native fauna.

Focusing on the causes of habitat loss as well as techniques to engineer habitat alternatives in areas where hollows are absent, the goal is to ensure that rare and endangered native creatures aren’t left homeless across the Central West.

Project Support Officer with the Central West Councils Environment & Waterways Alliance Mick Callan said “The forum will bring together a range of stakeholders, including Local Government, Landcare, Indigenous Communities, farmers & landholders and other community members, to learn about habitat loss and to look at solutions that can improve habitat in landscapes that lack tree hollows”

Keynote presenter Dr Keith Suter will table the topic “Thinking Globally, Acting Locally, Responding Personally”.  Keith is widely known as the International Affairs Expert on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program.  He’s a global futurist, thought leader and author, highly respected in the areas of social policy, foreign affairs and leadership.

Central West Local Land Services General Manager Andrew Mulligan said “It’s great that we have been able to secure such a high profile, international speaker”

“Based on his reputation, we anticipate that Dr Suter’s presentation will inspire people to network, form partnerships and share knowledge and resources to make real environmental change within our region.”

The forum will feature a range of community and industry displays, an exceptional line up of speakers and an arborist demonstration of the hollow augmentation technique – a first for the Central West region.

Other topics addressed on the day include nest box construction, monitoring & management, hollow dependent animals such as parrots, owls, possums, gliders & bats, feral animal management and the importance of revegetation and habitat protection to ensure the long term survival of hollow dependent species.

To secure your place, visit eventbrite.com and search “Hollows for Habitat Dubbo”

For further information about the event, contact Mick Callan on 0400 968 201

Event:                         Hollows for Habitat Forum
Date:                           Thursday 23 June, 2016
Time:                          9:30am – 4:00pm
Venue:                        Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo
Cost:                           Free
Registration:              Eventbrite