New England Weeds Authority (NEWA) roadside spray program is well underway across the regions tackling weeds such as Chilean Needle Grass and St Johns Wort as well as Blackberries.
NEWA are responsible for weed management and control on public land and roadsides throughout Walcha, Uralla, Armidale Dumaresq and Guyra local government areas.
This area covers over 18,000sq/kms and has no less than 4000kms of Council roads. Each road requires several passes, as different weeds need to be treated throughout the season.
“New England Weeds Authority’s spray program is progressing well for the 2012/13 season,” said James Browning, Senior Weeds Officer for the Authority.
“The season starts prior to Christmas with staged passes over the road network to treat weeds such as Chilean Needle Grass and St Johns Wort, whilst flowering, before moving onto the Blackberry program from January onwards. Other weeds commonly treated include Sweet Briar, English Broom and Serrated Tussock.
“By focusing the Authority’s resources in particular areas and given the suitable weather conditions this season, the program had already treated 2500kms of roads for blackberry by the end of January.”
Once the road program is completed, operations will then focus on other Council controlled areas such as water reservoirs, waste transfer stations and sewage treatment plants. Widespread weeds such as African Lovegrass and Coolatai Grass will be treated later in the season in areas where these species have not yet widely established.
Members of the public are asked to be patient when passing roadside weed spraying units.
“Many of our roads are narrow and staff do their best to minimise inconvenience for local road users,” said James Browning
“This is an important and ongoing task and we all want to stay safe.”
For advice and support in controlling Noxious Weeds, please contact NEWA on 6770 3602 or visit us at www.newa.com.au.
For more information, visit the website: www.newa.com.au
