The Cassowary Coast Regional Council is urging landowners to take urgent action to help stop the spread of Siam weed, considered one of the worst weeds in the world due to its potential to cause massive economic and environmental damage.
“Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) has a seed viability of seven years. It is flowering right now and action needs to be taken before it sets seeds,” a spokesman said.
He said the potential effects on the region’s agriculture sector, including the banana, sugar cane, pawpaw and other fruit, and cattle industries, were immense.
Under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 it is the responsibility of the land owner to take reasonable action to ensure their land is free of this pest and all Siam plants present on their land are treated before flowering occurs in May, June and July, and again in October.
The declared Class 1 pest has a rapid growth rate of up to 20mm a day or 5m a year. It has the ability to smother riparian zones (areas between land and water such as river banks) and agricultural areas very quickly with a vine-like growth pattern.
It can grow in stands similar to lantana and is known to be highly toxic to cattle.
According to the spokesman, it is likely that contamination of produce and machinery being transported intra- and interstate will lead to restrictions being put in place and potentially fines for the transportation of a Class 1 weed.
“Early detection of new infestations on properties and active monitoring of known infestation is vital to ensure success in controlling the spread and, ultimately, the eradication of this pest weed from our region,” he said.
People requiring technical advice or identification of weeds present on their property should contact Cassowary Coast Regional Council authorised officers on (07 40618873) or email Kelly.ashwood@ccrc.qld.gov.au
Siam weed fact sheets are available from council's customer service centres at the shire halls in Innisfail and Tully or on the Biosecurity website www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
