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 |