Renewed push to make weeds history in the Central West

A renewed push across central western Queensland to control the spread of weeds has gathered momentum with increased investment and a targeted response.

The Central West Regional Pest Partnership Group is made up of the CEOs and Rural Lands Officer’s from Barcaldine, Blackall-Tambo, Longreach, Barcoo, Diamantina, Boulia and Winton, as well as representatives from Desert Channels Qld, Agforce, Biosecurity Queensland, Transport and Main Roads.

Chair of overarching body Central West Regional Pest Management Group, Andrew Martin says the impact of pest weeds shouldn’t be underestimated.

“Pests cause damage to the environment, domestic and native wildlife, contribute to loss of native vegetation and degrade the economic potential of the region so it is vital that we work as a cohesive unit with drive and determination to stamp them out,” he said.

All RAPAD councils are behind the partnership group by investing ten thousand dollars each for its operation this financial year.

“It is critical to have buy in from all communities and other land managers to get some meaningful work completed, particularly as some parts look to transition out of the drought,” Councillor Martin said.

The group replaces the Central West Regional Pest Technical Group.

Central West Regional Pest Partnership Group Chair, Jeffrey Newton says the group is focusing on three main priorities this year:

Reducing the prevalence of Sticky Florestina along roadways between Blackall/Barcaldine/ Longreach;
Creating printed materials focused on the ‘Dirty Dozen’. The twelve pest plants high on our list of priorities.; and
The creation of a Central West Pest Weed map, which has potential to assist in weed identification, monitoring and collating of historical data for future funding.
“We are working toward a ‘zero tolerance’ stance on weeds and will be putting effort into building the community’s knowledge of pest weeds in our region,” Mr Newton said.