Pest Plants and Animals

Pest Plants and Animals

Spraying paterson's curse. An annual event.

(Updated 23/7/2017)

"Use management, biology and (if necessary) chemicals to control weeds and rabbits."

Rabbit Control:

Rabbit monitoring and where necessary control works are a priority on the Management Committee over the next 5 years and beyond. Rabbits pose a significant ongoing threat to the revegetation efforts on the Mount. Unless controlled rabbits significantly impact on revegetation works and reduce the re-establishment and natural regeneration of native grasses and woody vegetation. To this end the following actions have been identified as a priority.

Objective:

Control the numbers and impact of rabbits and other invasive animals on the mount and surrounding areas.

Actions

• Ongoing monitoring of rabbit numbers including regular transects and recording of the results
• Continue to apply for funding to undertake warren destruction activities to ensure less available breeding sites if rabbit numbers again begin to increase
• Prioritise rabbit control works to active warrens on the eastern side of the rabbit proof fence and in the revegetated areas
• As conditions warrant, actively seek biological control options
• Investigate options for long term control of rabbits in the quarry and cliff areas on the Mount
• Maintain the perimeter rabbit proof fence to ensure rabbits do not reinvade the Mount from surrounding farms
• Implement a 1080 baiting program when appropriate, and trial permanent pindone bait stations in strategic locations.

Weed Control:

Paterson's curse

Extensive ongoing weed control programs for Paterson’s Curse, Swan Plant and other broadleaf weeds such as Horehound, heliotrope and Paddy Melon mayl be required.

All weed control activities need to be monitored to determine whether control is being successful or whether other techniques should be investigated.

The committee also needs to be mindful of new weed threats such as Serrated Tussock, Chilean Needle Grass and Bridal Creeper.

Objective:

To control the occurrence and impact of weeds on the mount and surrounding areas.

Actions:

• Continue control of Paterson’s Curse and other weeds when necessary.
• Develop strategies and management plans where required for specific weeds both on the mount and together with neighbouring landowners. This may include biological control, such as introducing beetles and fungi from control programs elsewhere.
• Development of a Code of Conduct for the use of machinery on the Mount and the types and locations of vehicle access allowed
• Implement a monitoring program so that the Mount can be regularly surveyed for potential problem weeds
• Ensure there are adequate funds for priority threats such as emerging weeds or other short term problems that need priority resources.
• Continue discussions with the Shire regarding the dumping of herbaceous material in the old shire quarry to reduce the risks of weed invasion from that site

Spraying Code of Conduct:

Spraying plans will be approved by the committee at a monthly meeting.

If spraying is likely to affect the neighbours they will be notified at the planning stage and before spraying commences.

Spaying is not to be done by fixed wing aircraft, due to the risk of off-site damage.

The owner of any stock on the mount will be involved in the planning, so he can manage stock appropriately.