Burnett River Parthenium Walk Program Update

Parthenium Weed has infested over 18,000 ha of the upper Burnett River catchment and since 2005 North Burnett Regional Council [Formerly Monto Shire Council, Perry Shire Council and Eidsvold Shire Council], Burnett Mary Regional Group, BioSecurity Queensland and Landholders have partnered together in the Burnett River Parthenium Walk program to control this infestation.

Early in 2006 the partners developed a seven year plan to control Parthenium Weed to an extent that the landholders could manage the declared plant with their own resources. The partners gained funding for two years to implement this plan. This funding program has now come to a close however council and other partners remain committed to implementing this plan.
 
Joel Bolzenius, Burnett Mary Regional Group stated “BMRG has been impressed with the level of partnership, with over 100 landholders participating in the program over the last two and half years which has made it a very effective control program”
 
Andrew Sama, North Burnett Regional Council said “Council has mapped the entire area to keep records of infestations and effectiveness of control methods. Mapping will be valuable in gaining further funding and is a good source of reference for property owners.”
 
Late in 2007 trial work was carried out on a 100ha infestation of Parthenium Weed in Monto. The trial consisted of treating the infestation with a helicopter and then following up with on ground treatment to mop up. This trial has proved successful and is a useful tool for large infestations but follow up work is needed. Treating with a helicopter allows a large area to be covered quickly and with Parthenium Weed seeding in a very short period of time, fast and effective treatment is essential in long term control.
 
Andrew Sama, North Burnett Regional Council stated “Landholders contribution has been outstanding and together with council staff we have made lots of progress. However we need to maintain consistent surveillance and treatment to maintain the progress we have already made.”
 
For more information on Parthenium Weed or if you would like to participate in the Burnett River Parthenium Walks please contact Andrew Sama on 0447 657 203 or your local weeds officer.
 
Parthenium Plant
 
Parthenium seedling
 
 

© 2005-2010 Burnett Mary Regional Group for Natural Resource Management Inc