Watershed Landcare Incorporated

Serrated Tussock in Meroo / Queens Pinch / Green Gully

The third Watershed project run in the area to assist landholders in the identification and control of Serrated Tussock. Past projects have seen paddock surveys and over 300 hours of on-ground control take place around Hargraves, Grattai / Erudgere, Upper Piambong and the Aarons Pass Rd. areas. The current project will target the Queens Pinch, Meroo and Green Gully localities.

Despite a concerted effort by the community, Mid-Western Regional Council’s weed officers and local landcare projects, Serrated Tussock (Nassella trichotoma), remains an environmental, emotional and economic threat to landholders.

There is good news at hand for landholders in the Meroo / Queens Pinch area, however, with a new Landcare project underway. Watershed Landcare has been successful the latest round of funding through the Central West Catchment Management Authority Weeds of National Significance Management Program. This will be the third Watershed project run in the area to assist landholders in the identification and control of Serrated Tussock. Past projects have seen paddock surveys and over 300 hours of on-ground control take place around Hargraves, Grattai / Erudgere, Upper Piambong and the Aarons Pass Rd. areas.

“The current project will target the Queens Pinch, Meroo and Green Gully localities, an area identified as low to moderate infestation” says Christine McRae, project coordinator, “Our third project will differ slightly from earlier projects in the additional provision of native grass seed to distribute following control. This new strategy aims to repopulate controlled areas with grass species not affected as much by the residual properties of flupropanate (the active in Task Force © and Kennock©)” continued Ms. McRae.

An introductory morning session was held at the Meroo Hall last October. Speakers included Vince Forgione (MWRC Weeds Inspector), Jenene Kidston (District Agronomist), Clare Hamilton (NSW/ACT Serrated Tussock Working Party) along with past project participants.

Landholders in the project area have signed on for on-ground works (Serrated Tussock control)

For more information about this project, contact Christine on 6373 7628 or chris@watershedlandcare.com.au

This project is supported by Watershed Landcare, through funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country and the Central West Catchment Management Authority.

For more information about Serrated Tussock, head to www.serratedtussock.com.au