The issue
The Managing Established Pest Animals and Weeds program saw Landcare NSW engaged by
NSW Department of Primary Industries to facilitate the delivery of workshops aimed at
increasing uptake of best practice management of invasive species. The Hastings region has
a broad range of weeds to contend with and weed control can be overwhelming and
frustrating when using the wrong approach or techniques. Hastings Landcare took the bull by
the horns and to put together a weeds workshop catering specifically for our region, Talking
Weeds at the Winery.
The solution
The workshop was held to take the uncertainties out of weed management. After a Welcome
to Country performed by Biripi Aboriginal Elder an introduction provided a background on
weeds. Samples of common and emerging weeds were used to explain the different
management categories in the Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan and Biosecurity
Duty in relation to specific categories. Planning for control discussion included observation,
weed ID, mapping, priorities/objectives, resources, scale, time frame and weed vs native
ratio. Control approaches covered included biocontrol, machinery, high volume spraying,
spot spraying, targeted weeding, spot regeneration , assisted regeneration, revegetation, and
integrating control. Demonstrations of control techniques foliar spray, basal barking, splatter/
gas gun, scape & paint, cut & paint and drill and fill were conducted.
The impact
45 participants including rural landholders, Landcare volunteers and the general public went
away with extensive, up to date knowledge of common and emerging weeds. Additionally, a
better understanding of how to plan for weed control and increased confidence to carry out
best practice methods to control weeds, including new control techniques.
The feedback speaks for itself;
'A very informative meeting. Identified several new weeds that need to be eradicated'
'Great day we learnt a lot of great information and well presented'
'The practical demonstration of equipment and techniques was excellent. I had not previously
heard of basal barking'
'Both Stephen and Matt well presented topics. Especially the practical demonstrations'
'Lovely to see so many like mined folk'
'Good work boys, lovely venue and lunch. Very informative'
'Thank you for the great talk & resources'
Key facts
• Weedwise App is a fantastic resource available to anyone
• Observation is the first step in controlling weeds
• Plan and used the correct techniques for best results
• Report new weeds to your Biosecurity Officer
• Follow up, Follow up, follow up!
