Rural landowners are being urged to take advantage of free weed control from Eurobodalla Shire Council to eradicate weeds such as blackberry, Crofton weed, bitou bush, African boxthorn, African lovegrass and lantana.
The weed control initiative is funded by the Federal Government under the Communities Combating Pest and Weed Impacts During Drought Program.
Eurobodalla Shire Council invasive species officer Mitchell Jarvis said weeds can have a significant impact on a farm’s bottom line.
“Many of our landowners have had a terrible year with drought and then the bushfires ravaging their properties,” he said. “The last thing they need to worry about right now is controlling weeds.
“This is a perfect opportunity for landowners to get problematic weeds under control while there is a blank slate.
“In many cases, the soil seed bank will have been burned out of the ground so it could be possible to get rid of these weeds in the long-term.
“It will help the landowner and give them more time to focus on things such as rebuilding homes, sheds, fences, storage and machinery.”
Assistance is mostly for heavily impacted primary production areas, and landowners of semirural properties and/or bush blocks in primary producing areas such as Belowra Valley, Buckenbowra Valley, Runnyford, Cadgee and Nerrigundah.
To arrange a property visit, or for more information, email or phone Mitchell Jarvis on 02 4474 1263.