Royalla Pest and Weeds workshops
Royalla Pest and Weeds workshops
The pest and weed workshops hosted by Royalla Landcare covered a broad range of species and targeted their identification and control.
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MEPAAW-SE-06
The issue
The changing landscape in semi-rural areas from farms to lifestyle and hobby farms has led to a larger population with mixed experience when dealing with weeds and pests. To help residents to understand the issues and their biosecurity duties, Royalla Landcare drew on a range of experts to provide practical knowledge and develop management capacity within the community.
The solution
The workshops looked to give landholders the practical skills necessary to identify and control weeds and pests. The weed workshop drew on local expert and Landcare member Megan Dixon, who took us step by step through the identification of some of the regions key weed species. Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Weeds Officer also joined in outlining control options and obligations. The following pest workshop tackled information on vertebrate pests and Rob Gallina from Australian Feral Animal Control and Management Services provide the background and control issues specific to semi-rural areas. Pest bird issues were also addressed, with Bill Handke from the Canberra Indian Myna Action Group explaining the impact these birds have. The final topic was covered by Georgeanna Story of Upper Murrumbidgee Landcare and examined the different citizen science tools the empower communities to monitor, map and control pests in their area.
The impact
Participants left the workshops with a greater awareness of the weeds and pests in the region. Knowledge was exchanged not only with the presenters but also between community members, with long-term residents engaging with newer members of the community. Workshop participants left with dirty hands and an eye for weed identification. Participants also learnt of the solutions for pest control and the importance of coordination in the semi-rural environment.
Key facts
- 43 landholders over 2 community workshops
- Targeting serrated tussock and African lovegrass
- Increase in deer a serious concern
- Coordinated approach to benefit from citizen science tools