“North Burnett Regional Council’s Land Protection Officers (LPOs) are prioritising management of parthenium weed, due to the high level of growth already experienced in 2022, which is likely to continue over the summer. Council’s LPOs have begun treatment of some areas of parthenium over recent months and will begin undertaking property inspections and map any outbreaks identified across the North Burnett, in the near future, in line with NBRC’s Biosecurity Plan 2019-2024. Due to the scale of infestation, Council is focusing on limiting its spread and impact, rather than eradication”, said Mayor Les Hotz.
“Parthenium germinates between spring and early summer, making this period the ideal time to treat infestations, to help manage the spread. Each parthenium flower contains 4 to 5 black seeds which drop from the plant and germinate. Parthenium weed can produce large quantities of seed, up to 100,000 per plant. More than 340 million parthenium weed seeds per hectare can be present in the surface soil, compared to 120,000 native grass seeds. These seeds can be spread in numerous ways, including water, vehicles, machinery, stock, native and feral animals, and can be dispersed via feed and seed”, Mayor explained.
“Parthenium is a category 3 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. It must not be given away, sold or released into the environment. The Act requires everyone to take all reasonable and practical measures to minimise the biosecurity risks associated with invasive plants under their control, to meet their general biosecurity obligation (GBO)”.
“A combination of control options is required for the effective treatment of parthenium. Council is seeking access to Winter Rust, a biological agent which once applied, will reduce weed growth. As it becomes available, Council will prioritise the use of Winter Rust along waterways where access for traditional spraying is limited. All landholders are encouraged to attempt to control outbreaks within their property boundary, and North Burnett Regional Council appreciates the assistance of landholders and members of the community who continue to monitor and help to manage the spread of parthenium. Council’s LPOs will also continue to respond to land managers who have notified Council of outbreaks on private and public lands”, said Mayor Les Hotz.
If you would like to find out if you are eligible to receive a free bottle of herbicide, please contact us via email admin@northburnett.com.au or call 1300 696 272.
For information on types of control measures, or to find out more about Parthenium please visit the Business Queensland website or go to their page here.
Media Contact
1300 696 272 | media@northburnett.qld.gov.au