Parthenium
Parthenium (Photo: DAFF)

June 6, 2019

A survey using a drone to map weed infestations along Boonara Creek and Lower Barambah Creek has been undertaken by Gympie Regional Council and the Burnett Catchment Care Association (BCCA).

The drone survey, conducted on May 14, was designed to identify rubber vine and honey locust in steep and difficult terrain and was expected to examine about 70km of creek banks.

Rubber vine would have been in flower during the project, making it easier to identify.

The results of the survey will now be examined and a weeds contractor will hired to treat any areas identified.

The drone survey is part of the larger Barambah and Boonara Weed Control Project.

In 2018, the BCCA obtained a Community Sustainability Action Grant to collaborate with Gympie Council to monitor weed infestation levels in Barambah and Boonara creeks and sections of Moonda Waamba Creek.

The funding is from the State Government via the Department of Environment and Science.

The focus was on three major weed pests: parthenium, rubber vine and honey locust.

Parthenium, which originates in North America, invades disturbed bare areas and pastures. 

The State Government has estimated it costs Australia’s beef industry $16.5 million per year and cropping industries several million dollars per year.

Rubber vine is native to Madagascar. It’s a vigorous climber which smothers native vegetation near rivers and forms dense thickets.

Honey locust is native to North America. It forms dense, spiny thickets that out-compete native vegetation and can injure livestock.

Contractors engaged by the Barambah and Boonara Weed Control Project began spraying parthenium began last December after the area received adequate rainfall to promote weed germination.

Larger infestations of the weed were found than expected.

Initial treatment of rubber vine and honey locust also began in December.

The Barambah and Boonara Weed Control Project includes monitoring of the treated areas and landholder and community education.


 

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