The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has announced that its biosecurity experts are offering a free weed check and advice to bushfire-affected landholders in the Cudlee Creek area.
Biosecurity Facilitator at PIRSA, Shannon Robertson said early detection and management of high-risk weeds was vital in the wake of a bushfire to avoid introduced species becoming an expensive invader.
Mr Robertson said weeds could respond to fire or be brought to an area either as part of the emergency response, or through the import of hay, fodder and stock in the wake of a bushfire.
He said it was important to identify and eradicate weeds early, with small, localised populations easier to tackle than when the pest species becomes established and widespread.
“The cost of weeds for communities goes up dramatically over time and as new weeds enter the landscape,” Mr Robertson said.
“This free property check for landholders in the area of the Cudlee Creek fire scar is one way we are working to help landowners tackle high risk weeds before they become a major issue.”
PIRSA said the service was being offered as part of the Local Economic Recovery (LER) Program, which aimed to boost local economies by providing funding to the State’s communities and industries most affected by 2019–20 bushfires.
It said the program was jointly funded through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Program in partnership between the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board and PIRSA.
PIRSA said the program was co-funded by the State and Federal Governments under the National Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Further information on the Weeds after fire project – Cudlee Creek, and how to book a site visit, can be accessed at this PS News link.
