African Olive / Lantana Project
A successful weed information workshop, display and networking day, held at Elderslie Hall in April 2016. The Event is part of a broader African Olive and Lantana Project undertaken by Singleton Shire Landcare Network and Local Land Services.
Around 60 people attended to see presenters from organisations including: Upper Hunter Weeds Authority, Singleton Council, Dungog Council, DPI, Hunter LLS. There was also had a private presenter discussing use of a natural fungus to assist in managing Giant Parramatta Grass. Seven landholders shared their experiences on weed management, including what weeds they are dealing with and what approaches they have taken and how they have worked. The day also included a display of an aerial drone used for targeting weeds in difficult access areas.
Grass identification session was hands-on with opportunity to get a close look of how to identify the invasive species relevant to the areas around Singleton and Dungog - Coolatai Grass, Giant Parramatta Grass, African Lovegrass. A display of Aquatic Weed samples was included.
Information stands were provided by Hunter LLS, Singleton Shire Landcare Network, Singleton Council and Lambs Valley Landcare. Many attendees brought numerous samples of plants to get identified on the day. The day was a great networking opportunity and new members signed up for Singleton Shire Landcare Network. WEEDecks (weed identification card sets) were provided on the day through funding support from the NSW Environmental Trust My Place funding program. People attending were able to receive a WEEDeck for a donation towards the Childrens Cancer Institute, via Kirkwoods Produce.
Event funding support from Hunter LLS and NSW Environmental Trust. Funding support staff from OEH attended the day and provided good feedback on the quality level of presenters and information provided.
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http://hunter.lls.nsw.gov.au/resource-hub/media-releases/2016/community-event-to-focus-on-weeds
Community event to focus on weeds
09 March 2016
Controlling invasive weeds in the Hunter will be the focus of a free community weeds day to be held in Singleton next month.
Effective control and management options for environmental and agricultural weeds will be explored at the event, hosted by Singleton Shire Landcare Network.
The Community Weeds Event will include various guest speakers who will discuss invasive grasses, pasture weeds, aquatic weeds, riparian vine weeds, woody weeds, plus biological control agents and weed management strategies.
Singleton Shire Landcare Network spokesperson Helen Stacey said the free event is aimed at community members who are experiencing issues with weeds.
“Community members are encouraged to come along and learn about how the common types of weeds found in the Hunter and their impacts on the environment and agricultural production, and discover how to identify and manage them,” Mrs Stacey said.
“This is a great networking opportunity for those interested in getting on top of weeds, learning from others’ experiences, and getting advice from experts,” she said.
Staff from Hunter Local Land Services, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Upper Hunter Weeds Authority and Singleton and Dungog local councils will be on hand to provide weeds advice.
Hunter Local Land Services officer Lorna Adlem said the event will include application control methods and demonstrations, and an unmanned aerial drone demonstration.
“Hunter Local Land Services is proud to be supporting this informative event, which will provide the local community and surrounding areas with an invaluable opportunity to obtain useful information on invasive weeds,” Ms Adlem said.
“Attendees are invited to bring along weed samples for identification on the day. There will also be an opportunity to listen to, and share ideas and experiences, in controlling weeds with local community members,” she said.
WEEDecks - decks of cards with descriptions and photographs of different weed species - will be available for a donation, with proceeds to go to the Children’s Cancer institute Australia.
The event will be held on Saturday, 2 April from 9.30am – 3pm at Elderslie Hall, Elderslie. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
Registrations are essential for catering purposes. Contact Steve Clarkson on 6578 7346 or via email at sclarkson@singleton.nsw.gov.au.