June 17, 2013
South Burnett Regional Council has partnered with Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG), Cherbourg Council and Gympie Council to co-ordinate parthenium control throughout the region.
Natural Resource Management spokesperson Cr Kathy Duff the BMRG had provided $16,000 to clear the South Burnett of parthenium.
“Council managed the project and co-ordinated the treatment of the parthenium in our region as well as Gympie and Cherbourg Council areas,” Cr Duff said.
“All parties involved have worked together with landholders to control this weed and clear our farms before parthenium gets out of control. I thank everyone for their cooperation in ensuring this program is completed successfully.
“This is a follow up from the previous treatment when parthenium became a big problem after the floods in 2011 and 2012.”
In 2011, the South Burnett Regional Council contributed $24,000 to help treat an outbreak of parthenium along Barambah Creek after seeds were distributed by floodwaters along about 80km of creek banks and across flats.
Native to South and North America, Parthenium hysterophorus was first recorded at Toogoolawah in 1955.
It can cause dermatitis and respiratory problems in humans and dermatitis in cattle and domestic animals.
It is declared a Class 2 pest plant under Queensland legislation and listed as a “Weed of National Significance”.
“Parthenium causes havoc for our primary producers and the spraying to clear the region of this weed will have long-term benefits,” Cr Duff said.
According to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, parthenium costs the beef industry a total of $16.5 million per year and cropping industries several million dollars per year.
