Fireweed and turf farming in the Hawkesbury lowlands
Fireweed and turf farming in the Hawkesbury lowlands
Various activities were carried out in an attempt to engage neighbours of Turf farms to better manage their Fireweed. Green cestrum and other toxic weeds were also included in the weed education, as a range of weeds that impose a threat to any farm operation in the area.
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The issue
In recent times turf from the Richmond lowlands has been detected with infestations of Fireweed. The entire ACT put a ban on taking any Turf from the Hawkesbury area, offering one example on how this may impact business for the Hawkesbury farmers.
The solution
It was suggested that engaging landholders adjacent to turf farming operations, in an attempt to increase their effectiveness in controlling Fireweed (and other toxic weeds) would improve this situation. If a champion could be found a series of workshops could be held on their properties to educate others on the suitable control of Fireweed etc. In reality, it is a whole of landscape issue that the Turf Farmers need to acknowledge and carry out better management on their land aswell. Strategically, the whole industry could work a lot closer with potential sources of Fireweed, to produce 100% weed-free produce.
The impact
One landholder has been engaged as part of the Meepaw funding, and follow up treatment of his weeds has been planned. This was possible as the worst of his weed source was actually on a large flood mitigation drainage line, which culminated at his property on the River’s edge. This drainage line is a council managed asset, and as such the Hawkesbury River County Council has been engaged to carry out the weed control. Landcare will continue liaising with the landholder to determine if the issue has been rectified. Additionally, a grant will be searched for to help the landholder carry out intensive weed control on the private component of the land – that which runs along the impressive Hawkesbury River.
Learnings
Engagement of Turf farmers and other landholder in the Richmond Lowlands is a hard thing to achieve in a short period of time.
Key facts
- The Richmond Lowlands, which are now all cleared for agricultural pursuits are floodplains very rich in soil fertility.
- It is thought that before agriculture took over the area, Rainforest used to reside there.
- Some evidence of wetlands also remain.