Weeds
Council is responsible for ensuring landowner prevention and management of declared pest plants and animals in the Charters Towers Regional Council Local Government Area. This involves implementing the Charters Towers Regional Council Biosecurity Plan 2019-24, establishing practices to prevent the introduction of new pests, and strategies to eradicate existing pests in small numbers. It also includes taking measures to contain established pests in the Region, liaising with landholders, and enforcing the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.
For further information on declared plants, including fact sheets, guidelines, and strategies, please visit the Biosecurity Queensland website or contact Council.
Notifying Council about pests
Have you discovered a new weed or a new infestation of an existing weed? If so, please advise Council in writing. This will assist Council in keeping track of new weeds and plants and eradicate/control them as quickly as we can. Landholder submissions are accepted for Invasive Biosecurity Matters.
Reducing weed risks from fodder
With the massive movements of drought fodder moved during the 2015 to 2017 drought and the weed risks associated with it, the Queensland Herbarium’s Weed Spotters Network and AgForce sought National Landcare funding for development of a fodder weed guide.
Although many sources of fodder are quality assured with minimal weed risk, the high demand for fodder during drought, coupled with the good intention of communities not aware of weeds or weedy grasses, resulted in an array of winter weeds emerging from some loads of drought fodder. In many cases these weeds emerging after winter rains are toxic if livestock are exposed to large amounts and can cause symptoms ranging from loss of condition to death. Seed heads from weedy grasses, such as Giant Rats Tail Grass, African Fountain Grass and Gamba Grass, impact pasture health and can easily contaminate fodder unbeknownst to those receiving it.
Land managers should always be on the lookout for new emerging weeds to their area and seek identification from their local trusted networks. Many producers may not be aware that the Queensland Herbarium offers a free weed identification service, either by sending in a photo or plant specimen. The new fodder weed guide provides easy to follow steps on how to seek weed identification through the Herbarium, plus weblinks to a range of useful weed identification websites.
Reducing Weed Risks From Fodder
Hard copies will be available through AgForce (on 07 3236 3100 or email), and from a range of biosecurity, drought, and multi-topic workshops across Queensland’s droughted regions.
AgForce and Weed Spotters Network Queensland acknowledge funding support from the Australian Government National Landcare Programme for the production and circulation of the fodder weed guide.