DEPARTMENT OFPRIMARY INDUSTRIES

Weed management in riparian zonesA guide for grazing properties in the Gippsland Plain and Strzelecki Ranges

Weed management in riparian zones

A guide for grazing properties in the Gippsland Plain and Strzelecki Ranges.

November 2004

Nigel AinsworthDepartment of Primary Industries, Frankston

Acknowledgements

This guide was written in collaboration with other DPI and DSE staff on the ProductiveGrazing, Healthy Rivers (PGHR) subproject team. Alan Crouch and Graeme Ward inparticular provided many comments and helpful suggestions. Members of the GippslandTechnical Reference Group for PGHR also provided important feedback on drafts of theguide. Information on noxious weeds is taken from the DPI Landcare Note Declared noxiousweeds (LC 0252) by Ian Faithfull. Rebecca Lester (Monash University) and Trevor Hunt (DPI)contributed to preparing the final document.

Weed management in riparian zonesA guide for grazing properties in the Gippsland Plain and Strzelecki Ranges.Primary Industries Research Victoria

Published by the Department of Primary Industries40 Ballarto RoadFrankston Victoria 3199Telephone:(03) 9785 0111Facsimile (03) 9785 2007

ISBN 1 74146 200 2

©The State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries 2004.This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced byany process except in accordance with the provisions of theCopyright Act 1968.

For further information, visit the DPI website athttp://www.dpi.vic.gov.auor contact the Customer Service Centre on 136 186

DisclaimerThe advice provided in this publication is intended as a source of information only. Alwaysread the label before using any of the products mentioned. The State of Victoria and itsemployees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is whollyappropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, lossor other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

Contents

1 Introduction............................................................................................. 1

2 Flow charts .............................................................................................. 2

3 Collection and identification ................................................................... 4

4 Weed categories ...................................................................................... 54.1 Declared Noxious Weeds.....................................................................54.2 Environmental Weeds ..........................................................................94.3 Agricultural Weeds.............................................................................104.4 State and Regional Priority Weeds .....................................................114.5 Local Area Weed Plans..........................................................................12

5 Stages of a weed invasion and responses to removal of grazing ........13

6 Weed control approaches......................................................................146.1 Priorities ............................................................................................146.2 Protecting native plants .....................................................................19

7 Safe and Legal Herbicide Use................................................................207.1 Herbicides and waterways .................................................................21

8 Setting goals for weed management ....................................................228.1 Eradication.........................................................................................228.2 Suppression.......................................................................................238.3 Containment......................................................................................23

9 Preparing a weed management plan ....................................................23

10 Monitoring the results...........................................................................25

11 Sources of information..........................................................................26

Appendix 1 Current Weed Biological Control Programs in Victoria............28

1

1 IntroductionThis guide has been prepared by the Productive Grazing, Healthy Riverssubproject of the Ecologically Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (ESAI),which involves staff of the Victorian Government Departments ofPrimary Industries and Sustainability and Environment. The aim of theProductive Grazing Healthy Rivers subproject is to improve nativebiodiversity and environmental quality in high rainfall, intensive grazingsystems through better management of riparian land and associatedremnant native vegetation. Weed management is just one of the issuesbeing dealt with by the subproject, which is focused on intensive grazingindustries within the Warrnambool Plain, Otway Plain, Gippsland Plainand Strzelecki Ranges bioregions. This guide is applicable to theGippsland Plain and Strzelecki Ranges bioregions only. The GippslandPlain bioregion includes most of the land below 200 m lying south of aline roughly from the centre of Melbourne to Lakes Entrance. Parts of thisbioregion lie within the Port Phillip and Westernport CatchmentManagement Authority (CMA), the West Gippsland CMA and the EastGippsland CMA. The Strzelecki Ranges bioregion lies entirely within theWest Gippsland CMA.

Catchment Management Authorities are responsible for authorisingworks on designated waterways, which can include weed managementactivities. Each CMA has also produced a regional weed action planwithin which regional priority and emerging weeds are identified. CMAsalso undertake riparian rehabilitation, including control of some weeds(especially willows), as part of river health works. Landowners, landcareand other groups are also provided with advice and or assistance forvarious river health projects. The recent white paper Securing our waterfuture together (DSE 2004) designates Melbourne Water as the authorityresponsible for waterway, regional drainage and floodplain managementthroughout the whole of the Port Phillip and Westernport catchment. ThePort Phillip and Westernport CMA will remain responsible fordeveloping and coordinating the implementation of the regionalcatchment strategy.

The riparian zone is the land that adjoins, and is heavily influenced by,the waterway or wetland. For practical management purposes withinintensive grazing systems however, the riparian zone is best defined asthe strip of land alongside a waterway that is managed differently fromthe adjoining pasture, often being fenced off with restricted or nograzing.

There are many advantages in restricting or removing grazing on thebanks of waterways such as improved water quality, erosion control andeasier stock management, as well as enhanced appearance and benefitsfor native plants and animals1. However, removing frequent grazingfrom riparian zones can cause some weeds to increase or new weeds toappear. Riparian zones that have already been protected can also beinvaded by weeds from a variety of sources. Landholders will befamiliar with pasture weeds but a fenced-off riparian zone may containother weeds or may require pasture weeds to be managed in a differentway.

This guide aims to assist land managers in planning and carrying outriparian weed management.

2

Flow charts to assist the assessment of riparian weed problems andplanning their management are provided on the next three pages. Mostof the boxes in the flowcharts refer you to detailed information on thelater pages. Alternatively you can read the whole document and comeback to the flowcharts afterwards.

Throughout the text small numbers like these2,5,8 indicate which sourcesof information (listed in section 11) will be helpful.

2 Flow chartsThe flow charts below provide a process to assess whether a weedproblem exists, to review control options and plan any weedmanagement that is required. Boxes in the flowcharts refer you tosections where further information is provided, or if you already knowthe information at that step you can go straight on to the next box. Youmight want to work through the flowchart referring to the other sectionsonly where necessary, or you can read the whole publication and thenuse the flowcharts afterwards.

Stage 1 – Decide whether there is a weed problem.

A. IdentificationGet a confirmed identification

of suspected weeds. (Section 3)

B. Plant informationFind out about these plants.

(Section 4)

C. Weed assessmentAre they declared noxious orknown serious environmental

weeds? (Tables 1 and 2)Any exotic plants that increasein numbers quickly should also

be treated as a threat.

No problems identifiedContinue to check occasionallyfor new plants appearing that

might be weeds.

Some weeds present Go to Stage 2

3

Stage 2 – Set goals for weed management.

E. Site planReview what you can realistically achieve for the

site as a whole, integrating riparian weedmanagement with a whole farm management

plan.

C. CostsEstimate what these control methods

need in materials and time.

A. Weed stageAssess what stage each weed has reached.

(Section 5)

If weeds are not noxious and control seems toodifficult you may decide not to proceed. Usually

though it’s best to try to contain the problemwhile seeking further advice.

Decide which areas or weedsare the highest priorities.

Go to Stage 3

B. Control optionsFind out about control methods for each weed

and decide if they are practical, safe and legallyallowed for your situation. (Sections 6 & 7)

D. GoalsDecide whether eradication, suppression or

containment is possible for each weed (Section8) and whether sowing or planting of native

species will be required to replace the weeds.

E. AssessRecord how the weeds have responded to treatment

this year and how re-establishment of natives isgoing. (Section 10) Review whether things are

roughly on target.

C. TimingMake a note in your diary of when to do the weedcontrol and any seeding/planting of native species.

Stage 3 – Implement and monitor weed management.

A. Specify goalsWrite down your aims for the priority weeds/areas,

and how long it should take to achieve them

Original plan still seems OK. Makeany minor changes to controlmethods, update weed map.

Things are clearly notworking out!

Go to Stage 4

B. MapDo a simple site map to show where weeds are andwhich areas are to be treated (or re-treated) in the

coming year. (Section 9)

D. ImplementDo the work and make a short note of what you

actually did and any problems you had.

4

3 Collection and identificationCommon weeds can usually be identified easily, but there may be otherplants in the riparian zone that you are doubtful about. If a plant is new,seems to be spreading quickly, or is already dominant and you think itmight be exotic, then an accurate identification is important. Withoutidentification, you might be trying to kill a native species that isprotected. Only when a plant has been identified can you findappropriate information on its effects in the landscape and how tomanage it. Herbicide use in particular requires that you know what youare dealing with.

There are several ways to find out about an unknown plant. Thesimplest is often to ask neighbours however, this may not always beaccurate. Staff of the Department of Primary Industries2 (DPI)Department of Sustainability & Environment3 (DSE) or the CatchmentManagement Authority4,5,6 (CMA) may also be able to help, as may localpeople with botanical expertise. There are some helpful weed books8,9,23

although because of the very large number of species involved the bookscontain only a selection of them. If identification proves difficult, it isalso possible to send a specimen of the plant to the herbarium of theRoyal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne10 for identification. There may bea small charge for this service so it is best to contact the herbarium first.

Collecting a good specimen for identification is very important. Aphotograph of the plant before you disturb it is useful, preferably with

Identification of suspectedweeds is essential

There are some useful weedbooks that may help

Collecting a good specimenis important

Desirable plants present. Seek advice onwhy they do not seem to be regenerating.

Few or no native plants present. Seek adviceon direct seeding or replanting.

Nothing else seems to be available.Return to Stage 2D.

Stage 4 – Adapt if things don’t work out.

Required work rate is not possible.Return to Stage 2D.

Slower work would not succeed. Return toStage 2D and consider less ambitious aims.

Are existing native plantspresent as a seed source?

Seek advice to improve orreplace techniques.

Estimate how much morework would be needed tomeet your original goal.

Estimate whether originalaims can be met by slower

work rate.

Native plants are notfilling gaps leftby weed control

Control technique isn’tworking for one or more

weeds

Identify what theexact problem is

Weeds spreading fasterthan being removed

The amount of work is toomuch to keep going

Required rate is possible.Return to Stage 3B.

A different technique seems worth a try. Returnto Stage 3B.

Aims could be achieved more gradually. Returnto Stage 3A and change target date.

5

something next to it like a spade, ruler or pencil to show how big it is.Flowers or fruit/seeds make identification much easier and make sure thespecimen includes stems, leaves, shoots and roots, with any tubers orbulbs. Rinse off any loose soil. If a variety of leaf shapes occur on thesame plant then include some pieces of each. To keep the plant freshplace it in a plastic bag with a wet tissue or a few drops of water, seal itand put in an esky to keep it cool. Most plants packed like this shouldstay fresh for a few days in the fridge. It is essential to place the plant ina plastic bag immediately to avoid the chance of seeds being spreadbeyond the collection site.

Sometimes it is not possible to get the plant identified while it is stillfresh. Many plants can be preserved by simply placing between sheets ofordinary (non-glossy) newspaper with pieces of flat board top andbottom. This should be done as soon as possible after collection beforethe plant wilts. A few bricks or similar on top can then be used to flattenthe specimen. Newspaper should be changed every day or two for aweek, especially for fleshy-leaved plants. After a fortnight, the specimenshould be dry enough to transport flat in a folder. Keep a note with thespecimen saying exactly where and when it was collected and noteanything that might not be obvious from a dry sample, like flower colouror a distinctive smell. More information on preserving a specimen isavailable on the National Weeds Strategy website11 or by contacting theherbarium.

4 Weed categories For the purpose of this guide weeds are considered in three categories:declared noxious weeds, environmental weeds and agricultural weeds.Non-declared weeds may not need to be controlled in every case. Theeffects of some may be minor compared to the effort needed to controlthem, and others may tend to decline if left alone e.g., as the canopycloses following tree planting. However, in addition to weeds declarednoxious by State legislation, local laws may designate some other speciesas weeds and require them to be controlled. To date none of the Councilsin the area covered by this publication has passed such local laws but thismay change in the future.

Whether or not to control weeds is ultimately a matter for the landholderto decide, with the exception of declared noxious species. When workingon a designated waterway a permit may be required and managementoptions may be reduced. Consulting the CMA and obtaining a licence ifnecessary is important before commencing any work that might affect awaterway.

4.1 Declared Noxious WeedsIn Victoria these weeds are plants which have been proclaimed under theCatchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (the CaLP Act). The legislationrequires that these weeds be controlled or eradicated. There are fourcategories of weeds defined under the Act: State Prohibited, RegionallyProhibited, Regionally Controlled and Restricted, and differentrequirements apply to each category. In addition to the specificrequirements for each category ALL noxious weeds must be preventedfrom spreading, e.g., as contaminants in hay, grain, soil or sand or onvehicles. Sale or purchase of noxious weeds is also prohibited. Furtherinformation on the categories of noxious weeds and the responsibilities of

You may be required tocontrol some weeds because

they are declared noxious

Different requirements existfor the various categories of

noxious weeds

6

land owners for the control of weeds is provided in the Landcare noteDeclared noxious weeds (2004)12. From time to time new weeds aredeclared or the status of existing declared weeds may change. DPI/DSEoffices can provide up to date listings.

State Prohibited Weeds These weeds either do not occur in Victoria but pose a significant threat ifthey invade, or if they are present here, pose a serious threat and canreasonably be expected to be eradicated. If present, infestations of a StateProhibited Weed are relatively small. State Prohibited Weeds are to beeradicated if possible from Victoria or excluded from the State. TheDepartment of Primary Industries (DPI) is responsible for their controland should be informed if they are found on your property.

Regionally Prohibited WeedsIn general Regionally Prohibited Weeds are not widely distributed in aRegion but are capable of spreading further. It is reasonable to expectthat they can be eradicated from a Region and they must be controlled inor eradicated from the Region.

Landowners, including public authorities responsible for themanagement of Crown lands, are responsible for control of these weedson their lands. The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE)is responsible for control on Crown land. Private landholders areresponsible for control on private land but not on roadsides adjoiningtheir property. Regionally Prohibited Weeds on roadsides are theresponsibility of Vic Roads, municipalities, or DSE, depending on theclass of road. Further information can be obtained from local DPI andDSE offices.

Regionally Controlled WeedsThese weeds are usually widespread and are considered important in aparticular region. To prevent their spread, continuing control measuresare required. Declaration of a Regionally Controlled Weed can be madefor the whole Region or only certain Shires within the Region.

Landowners have the responsibility to take all reasonable steps to controland prevent the spread of Regionally Controlled Weeds on their land andany undeclared roads that adjoin their land. (Contact your local councilor VicRoads for advice on the classification of declared and undeclaredroads.) "Roadside" means

1. the area between the made surface and the boundary of the landadjoining the road if the road is sealed, formed or graded;

2. the half width of the road in the case of an unmade road on Crownland not occupied under a lease or licence; or

3. land alienated in fee simple by the Crown or Crown land occupiedunder a lease or licence.

Restricted WeedsThe category of Restricted Weeds is intended to include plants that are aserious threat to primary production, Crown land, the environment orcommunity health in another State or Territory of Australia, which havethe potential to spread into and within Victoria, and pose an

See weeds marked withan ‘S’ in table 1

See weeds marked witha ‘P’ in table 1

See weeds marked witha ‘C’ in table 1

Currently no restrictedweeds

7

unacceptable risk of spreading in this State or to other parts of Australiaif they were to be sold or traded in Victoria. To date no weeds have beendeclared Restricted Weeds.

Table 1. Declared noxious weeds and their status inthe Port Phillip and Westernport, West Gippsland andEast Gippsland Catchment Management Authorityregions

Correct as on 1 November 2004. Changes to the list are proclaimed in the Victorian GovernmentGazette http://www.gazette.vic.gov.au

S = State Prohibited, P = Regionally Prohibited, C = Regionally ControlledPPWPCMA – Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management AuthorityWGCMA – West Gippsland Catchment Management AuthorityEGCMA – East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority

Common name Scientific name PPWPCMA WGCMA EGCMAWest East

African Boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum C C C CAfrican Daisy Senecio pterophorus CAfrican Feather Grass Pennisetum macrourum CAfrican Lovegrass Eragrostis curvula C P PAlligator Weed Alternanthera philoxeroides S S S SAmsinckia Amsinckia spp. CAngled Onion Allium triquetrum CApple of Sodom Solanum linnaeanum C C C CArtichoke Thistle Cynara cardunculus C CBathurst Burr Xanthium spinosum C P C CBindweed Convolvulus arvensisBlackberry Rubus fruticosus agg. C C C CBlack Knapweed Centaurea nigra S S S SBoneseed/Bitou Bush Chrysanthemoides monilifera C C P PBranched Broomrape Orobanche ramosa S S S SBuffalo Burr Solanum rostratumCalifornian/Perennial Thistle Cirsium arvense C C C CCaltrop Tribulus terrestrisCamelthorn Alhagi maurorum S S S SCape Broom /Montpellier Broom Genista monspessulana C C CCape Tulip (two-leaf) Moraea miniata

(gazetted as Homeria miniata)C P

Cape Tulip (one-leaf) Moraea flaccida(gazetted as Homeria flaccida)

C P P P

Chilean Cestrum Cestrum parqui PDevil's Claw (purple-flower) Proboscidea louisianicaDevil's Claw (yellow-flower) Proboscidea lutea

(gazetted as Ibicella lutea)Dodder Cuscuta spp.English Broom Cytisus scoparius C C CFennel Foeniculum vulgare C C CFlax Leaved Broom Genista linifolia C C C PFurze/Gorse Ulex europaeus C C P PGiant Knotweed Fallopia sachalinensis S S S SGiraffe Thorn Acacia erioloba S S S SGolden Thistle Scolymus hispanicus P CGreat Mullein Verbascum thapsus C P CHardheads/Russian Knapweed Acroptilon repens P

8

Common name Scientific name PPWPCMA WGCMA EGCMAWest East

Hawkweed Hieracium spp. S S S SHawthorn Crataegus monogyna C C CHemlock Conium maculatum C C C CHoary Cress Lepidium draba

(gazetted as Cardaria draba)C C P P

Horehound Marrubium vulgare C P C CHorsetail Equisetum spp. S S S SIllyrian Thistle Onopordum illyricumIvy-leafed Sida Malvella leprosa

(gazetted as Sida leprosa)S S S S

Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica S S S SJapanese Knotweed hybrid Fallopia x bohemica S S S SKaroo Thorn Acacia karroo S S S SKhaki Weed Alternanthera pungens PLagarosiphon Lagarosiphon major S S S SLobed Needle Grass Nassella charruana S S S SMarijuana Cannabis sativa S S S SMesquite Prosopis spp. S S S SMexican Needle Grass Nassella tenuissima S S S SNodding Thistle Carduus nutans S S S SNoogoora Burr/ Californian Burr Xanthium strumarium (incl. X.

occidentale & X. orientale)Onion Weed Asphodelus fistulosusOx-eye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare C CPampas Lily-of-the-Valley Salpichroa origanifolia CParthenium Weed Parthenium hysterophorus S S S SPaterson's Curse Echium plantagineum C C C CPerennial Ragweed Ambrosia psilostachya S S S SPoverty Weed Iva axillaris S S S SPrairie Ground Cherry Physalis viscosa P C PPrickly Pear (drooping) Opuntia monacantha

(gazetted as O. vulgaris)C P

Prickly Pear (erect) Opuntia stricta C P PRagwort Senecio jacobaea C C C CSaffron Thistle Carthamus lanatus C C C CSalvinia Salvinia molesta S S S SSand Rocket/Sand Mustard Diplotaxis tenuifolia C CScotch/Heraldic Thistle Onopordum acanthium P C CSerrated Tussock Nassella trichotoma C C C PSilverleaf Nightshade Solanum elaeagnifolium PSkeleton Weed Chondrilla juncea P CSlender/Shore Thistle Carduus tenuiflorus / C.

pycnocephalusC C C C

Soldier Thistle Picnomon acarna(gazetted as Cirsium acarna)

Soursob Oxalis pes-capraeSpear Thistle Cirsium vulgare C C CSpiny Broom Calicotome spinosa CSpiny Burr Grass/ Gentle Annie Cenchrus longispinusSpiny Emex Emex australisSpiny Rush Juncus acutus C C C PSt. Barnaby's Thistle Centaurea solstitialisSt. John's Wort Hypericum perforatum P C C C

9

Common name Scientific name PPWPCMA WGCMA EGCMAWest East

St. Peter's Wort Hypericum tetrapterum PStar Thistle Centaurea calcitrapa PStemless Thistle Onopordum acaulon PStinkwort Dittrichia graveolens C CSweet Briar Rosa rubiginosa C C C CTangled Hypericum Hypericum triquetrifolium S S S SThorn Apple (common) Datura stramonium C C CThorn Apple (long-spine) Datura ferox C C CThorn Apple (recurved) Datura inoxia C C CTopped Lavender Lavandula stoechas C PTree of Heaven Ailanthus altissima C C CTufted Honeyflower Melianthus comosus PTutsan Hypericum androsaemum C C C CVariegated Thistle Silybum marianum C C CViper's Bugloss Echium vulgareWater Hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes S S S SWheel Cactus Opuntia robusta PWild Garlic Allium vineale PWild Mignonette Reseda luteola CWild Teasel Dipsacus fullonum C CWild Watsonia Watsonia meriana var.

Bulbillifera' (gazetted as W.meriana 'Bulbillifera')

C C C C

4.2 Environmental WeedsEnvironmental weeds are plants that threaten the values of naturalecosystems. Identification and management of environmental weeds isimportant because riparian zones include natural aquatic ecosystems.Environmental weeds can invade native plant communities and out-compete native species. Invasions of environmental weeds often reduceplant diversity and result in loss of habitat for native animals.

Environmental weeds may also be declared noxious weeds, e.g.,blackberry and St. John’s wort. However, a number of seriousenvironmental weeds are not declared noxious weeds e.g., bridal creeper,English ivy and tradescantia. Weeds of natural ecosystems can also benative Australian species that are not naturally present (indigenous) in anarea and have potential to damage the local plant community (e.g.,bluebell creeper from WA). The following table lists some seriousenvironmental weeds of riparian vegetation that are relevant to the twobioregions. The list is not comprehensive. Other useful sources ofinformation are the Common weeds of Gippsland book,23 and also thenational list13 of invasive and potentially invasive garden plants writtenby Rod Randall of the Department of Agriculture Western Australia,which provides information on weed status in all states of Australia.

Weeds that are not declarednoxious can still have bad

effects on biodiversity i.e., beenvironmental weeds

There is no complete list ofenvironmental weeds; any

non-native plant that isspreading in your riparian

zone is a potential problem

10

Table 2. Some environmental weeds (in addition tonoxious weeds) that are a threat to native riparianvegetation in the Gippsland Plain and Strzelecki Rangesbioregions

Common name Scientific name Growth formFurther

Information(Section 11)

Arum lily Banana passionfruitBluebell creeperBlue periwinkleBridal creeperCape ivyEnglish IvyGlyceria, reedsweetgrassHimalayan honeysuckleHollyJapanese honeysuckleKikuyu

Red cestrumSpanish heath TradescantiaWhite poplarWillows

Zantedeschia aethiopicaPassiflora mollisimaSollya heterophyllaVinca majorAsparagus asparagoidesDelairea odorataHedera helixGlyceria maxima

Lycesteria formosaIlex aquifoliumLonicera japonicaPennisetumclandestinumCestrum elegansErica lusitanicaTradescantia fluminensisPopulus albaSalix spp.

perennial herbwoody climbershrub/climbercreeperclimberclimberclimberperennial grass

shrublarge shrub/treewoody climberperennial grass

shrubshrubcreepertreelarge shrub/tree

8,14,16,238,9,13,238,9,238,9,14,238,9,14,23

8,9,11,14,23,16,237,8,9,23

8,98,9,14,238,98,9,23

98,9,238,9,14,23198,9,11,14,15,23

Is sweet pittosporum an environmental weed?Sweet pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum) is a large shrub or small treenative to some parts of Gippsland, with a natural distribution possiblyextending as far west as Westernport. Sweet pittosporum has nowspread to areas outside its previous range and has also become morecommon within some parts of its natural range, perhaps in response toaltered fire regimes or because it is a good coloniser after disturbance.The very dense shade beneath this plant tends to exclude other plantsand it is often regarded as undesirable, although it does have theadvantage of successfully excluding many weeds. Deciding whethersweet pittosporum should be accepted as part of the riparian vegetationon a particular property, or should be reduced as part of a nativevegetation management plan requires site-specific advice. Your localcouncil or DSE office will provide this advice.

4.3 Agricultural WeedsAgricultural weeds threaten crops, horticulture and pasture productionand may be declared noxious weeds. Most noxious weeds areagricultural weeds but some are not. For example boneseed and Japaneseknotweed are declared noxious but are not threats to agriculture. Notevery weed that affects agriculture is declared noxious. Capeweed andumbrella sedge, for instance, can cause problems to some farmers but arenot declared noxious.

Some species are capable of having several harmful effects e.g., theRegionally Controlled weed blackberry is both a pasture weed and an

11

environmental weed. Non-native plants that are useful in one place maybe weeds in another where the land is used for something else e.g., pinesare a commercial plantation species but would be a weed in a florareserve.

Figure 1. Willows and stock access combine to producea poor quality riparian zone

4.4 State and Regional Priority WeedsState Priority Weeds include all the weeds declared as State Prohibited(see table 1) and serrated tussock and ragwort, for which Statewidestrategies are in place.

Each CMA has developed a Weed Action Plan20,21,22. These plansrecognise that it is unrealistic to expect the eradication or control of allthe declared noxious weeds within each CMA area and therefore eachWeed Action Plan has, in addition to the State Priority Weeds, identifieda number of Regional Priority weeds (table 3). These weeds wereidentified on the basis of having detrimental economic, environmentaland social impacts. Regional Priority Weeds are established and requireactions to reduce the impacts of existing infestations and prevent theirdistribution from reaching its potential. The Regional Priority listsinclude declared Regionally Prohibited Weeds as well as other weeds ofhigh community concern. The Weed Action Plans also list species that areconsidered to be emerging weeds in the CMA area (table 3). These weedsare either new to the catchment or are of a size allowing eradication.

12

Table 3. Regional Priority WeedsBased on information contained in the publications indicated. These lists are subject to periodic review;contact the CMA for current information.

Port Phillip &Westernport CMA21 West Gippsland CMA22 East Gippsland CMA20

High Priorityestablished weeds

High Priority Weeds(excluding some that arealso State Prohibited)

Priority weeds (excluding somethat are also State Prohibited)

African feather-grass African love-grass African love-grassAfrican love-grass Amsinckia spp. Amsinckia spp.Bridal creeper/Smilax Bathurst burr Blue periwinkleCape tulip (1 & 2 leaf) Blackberry English broomChilean needlegrass Boxthorn Great mulleinRagwort Broom species Paterson’s curseSerrated tussock Californian thistle RagwortScotch thistle Cape tulip Saffron thistleSkeleton weed Gorse/furze Serrated tussockSt. John’s wort Great Mullein Scotch thistleSt. Peter’s wort Paterson’s curse St. John’s wortSweet pittosporum Ragwort

Serrated tussockSlender thistleSt. John’s wortVariegated thistle

New and Emergingweeds (excluding somethat are also StateProhibited)

Additional priority speciesidentified in the Draft RegionalCatchment Strategy (May 2004)

Blue canary-grass BlackberryCabomba Bridal creeperOrange hawkweed Spanish heathPink wood sorrel WillowsTussock paspalum Climbers/creepers including:

English ivy Dolichos Japanese honeysuckle Tradescantia

4.5 Local Area Weed PlansLocal area weed plans operate at a smaller scale than the plans for thewhole CMA region and are developed as a partnership between DPI andlocal communities. The local area weed plans provide policies, actionsand priorities for weed management in the area. Local area plans mayidentify different priorities for established and emerging weeds from theones in the previous sections. Within the bioregions covered by this

13

publication Local Area Weed Plans exist so far for the Upper LatrobeRiver, South Gippsland north of the South Gippsland Highway, SouthGippsland south of the South Gippsland Highway, the Maffra foothillsand the Yarram Yarram Catchments. Details of existing local area weedplans and ones being developed can be obtained from DPI offices, theCMA or through Landcare.

5 Stages of a weed invasion and responses to removal ofgrazing

Most weeds can be dealt with quite easily if they are noticed soon afterthey have arrived. Management becomes a more difficult prospect as thenumber and size of the plants and the area in which they are presentincreases. Often older plants are harder to kill than small ones becausethey are more difficult to dig out or because they have accumulated bigreserves below ground that allow re-sprouting after being slashed orsprayed. Weeds that have long-lived seeds (like brooms and gorse) willbuild up a big store of seeds in the soil if they have been allowed to seedfor several years. So even if all the adult plants are killed there will beyears of follow-up work.

Before deciding what can be done about a weed it is important to assesshow much there is and how long it has been present. Less-visible partsof the riparian zone should be checked. Ideally neighbouring propertiesshould be checked too, especially ones upstream, to see whether theweed is likely to keep arriving from them. Information on how theamount of a weed has changed over time is extremely valuable whentrying to decide whether something needs to be done and how quickly.A weed that has been present but remained uncommon for many years isobviously less of a threat than one that is increasing quickly. Table 4 willhelp you to decide what stage each of your weeds has reached.

Table 4. Typical characteristics at different stages ofweed invasion

Early stage ofinvasion

Middle Stage ofinvasion

Late Stage ofinvasion

Number ofmature weedplants

Small annuals orbiennials: 100-500Large perennialherbs or grasses:less than 100Shrubs or trees: lessthan 30.

Much more commonthan early stage.Perennial specieswith a highproportion of smallrecently establishedplants.

Small species far toocommon to count.Most of the cover ofperennial weedsconsists of matureindividuals.

Soil seed bank None to very lowLocally high nearolder plants

Large numbers ofseeds throughoutinfested area

Rate of weedincrease

May be slow at firstuntil well established

Rapid expansion intosuitable habitat

May be stable or stillgetting denserwithin the areaalready infested.

Total area ofdense weed cover

Less than 100 m2 100-1000 m2 >1000 m2

Feasible medium-term aim

Eradicate Suppress to low level Contain andgradually reduce

Controlling weeds beforethey become common saves

a lot of effort later

14

The most likely responses of some weeds to the removal of grazing arelisted in table 5. Removal of grazing usually results in increased naturalregeneration of native vegetation, more shade from native trees andshrubs, less soil disturbance, more leaf litter or perennial native grasscover. New weed problems can be avoided with suitable management.The actual outcome will depend on the degree of continuing disturbancein a riparian zone (eg. floods, browsing by wallabies, digging by rabbitsand wombats) and on the type of native vegetation. Some of the plants inthe left column may actually increase for the first few years beforedeclining. This table assumes complete removal of grazing; possibleoutcomes from using the riparian zone for limited grazing are toovariable to include. Narrow (<10m) strips of replanting in riparian zonesmay never create as much shade as wider ones and the response toremoval of grazing suggested here may be less strong.

Table 5. Potential 5-10 year response of some weedsto removal of grazing

Decreasing risk Continuing risk Increasing risk

Less potential to invade ifnot already there. If alreadypresent should decrease orat least be less vigorous.

Able to persist and growreasonably well in the

changed conditions andmay be able to invade.

Higher risk of invasion iflocal sources exist. Likely

to increase if alreadypresent.

Broad-leaved dock Cocksfoot AgapanthusCapeweed Blackberry Angled onionCoast wattle Brooms Arum lilyCouch Gorse (furze) Blue periwinkleFennel Phalaris BoneseedHawthorn Soursob Bridal creeperKikuyu Spiny rush English ivyOnion grass Sweet briar Flowering plumPaspalum Willows PittosporumPaterson’s curse PoplarsRagwort Spanish heathSt. Johns wort TradescantiaTeasel TutsanThistles WatsoniaWild radish

6 Weed control approaches

6.1 PrioritiesMuch less effort is required to eradicate a weed when it is just starting toinvade than later when it has become common. One of the most frequentmistakes is to ignore new weeds until they have reached large numbers.

When a weed is already common it is tempting to try to tackle the worstplaces first and to try to get the whole job done in one go. This is amistake. Large weeds are harder to dig out or kill, it creates a large area

When you remove grazingand replant your riparian

zone, conditions will changebecoming more favourable

for some weeds and less forothers

If you know what to expectyou can take steps to

prevent a weed problememerging

Work from the least weedyplaces in to the most weedy

15

of disturbance and there will be many weed seeds or fragments left.Heavily infested areas usually quickly revert to being weedy if follow-upis postponed, undoing all the original work. Highest priority should goto maintaining places that are in best condition. Remove outlying weedsbefore they can reproduce and then work on the large clumps. This waythe natural regeneration or replanting of native species17 can keep upwith the clearing.

Other reasons for not attempting complete removal of large weedinfestations in one go are the effects on bank stability and on habitat fornative wildlife. Weeds may be stabilising banks, providing shade to thecreek, or providing cover for birds and other animals. Sudden removalof weeds on a large scale may cause considerable harm, although thereplacement native vegetation will be better in the end. A gradualprocess is often preferable. Where weeds are growing in a slow-flowingcreek, killing large amounts at once may make the water deoxygenatedand foul as the dead weeds rot away.

If weed problems are very large or difficult to control it may be best tosimply contain them so they don’t spread any further. This can consist ofa low level of effort to remove new plants outside the infested area and,for some species, slashing to prevent seed production. When weedsalready dominate the whole riparian zone and resources are limited,another option may be to create just small weed free patches. Thesepatches can be a starting point for replanting or natural regeneration ofnative species. Information on revegetation of riparian zones is availablefrom several sources1, 17 .

To help in planning weed control Table 6 contains information oncharacteristics of selected riparian weeds and recommended techniques.The information is simplified and the following should be rememberedwhen reading it. Effects on stock are difficult to summarise. Evendesirable pasture species can cause problems if suddenly fed in largeamounts. Many weeds sometimes cause illness in stock but usuallydon’t, either because the stock avoid eating them or because the amountavailable is too small18. If lack of alternative food and/or a suddenincrease in availability occurs, these weeds may become harmful.

The column on dispersal and seed persistence is based on best availableknowledge and indicates the most common situation. Downstreamdispersal of seeds or plant parts is an issue with all riparian weeds and isone reason why a coordinated approach with neighbours is important.There is often a lack of information on how long seeds remain viable,which is why no time is shown for some species.

Choose a method to keepdisturbance to a minimum

Ensure that naturalregeneration or replanting

keeps pace with weedremoval

16

Table 6. Effects of selected riparian weeds and how tocontrol them

Weed Effect on stock Other impactsand properties

Dispersal &persistence

Recommended controltechniques

R=registered herbicidetreatment

OL=off-label herbicidetreatment

Arum lily,calla lilyZantedeschiaaethiopica

Large perennial.Distinctive whiteflowers.

Cattle deathsreported. Maydisplace pasturespecies in moistareas.

Displaces groundlayer plants,probably inhibitsregeneration ofcanopy species.Fruit is poisonous tohumans. May blocksmall channels.Shade tolerant.

Seeds spread bybirds and in water.Short seed life.Dense mass oftubers.

Small-scale: dig out,including tubers. Largescale: herbicide spray(OL); slash to suppressseed production.

BlackberryRubus fruticosus agg.

Shrub with longprickly stems thatroot at the tip.

Avoided by sheepand cattle onceestablished andtherefore reducesproductivity.

Out-competes nativeshrubs and reducestree regeneration.Can channel stockinto narrow tracksthat become eroded.Provides cover forfoxes and rabbits.Suppressed byheavy shade.

Seed spread bybirds. Short seedlife. Crowns androots hard to killcompletely.

Small-scale: dig out orslash several times peryear. Large-scale:herbicide spray (R). Goatsare effective if nativeshrubs and grasses arenot present and if erosionis not likely.

Blue periwinkleVinca major

Low creepingperennial with toughwiry stems anddistinctive blueflowers.

Not a problem withregular sheep orcattle grazing butcommon in horsepaddocks. Leavescontain a toxin butnot a frequent causeof poisoning.

Forms a dense lowmat that excludesmost other plants.

Mostly spread bymovement of stemfragments infloods or when soilis disturbed.Occasionallyspread by seed inwater or when soilis moved.

Only very smallinfestations can beremoved by hand.Alternatively slash thencover with black plasticsheet for the summer.For medium or largeareas: herbicides by foliarspray (OL) over 2-4 years.

Bridal creeper, smilax.Asparagusasparagoides.

Perennial climber diesback in summer.

Readily eaten bystock and not apasture problem.

Covers other plantspreventing theirgrowth. Dense matof tubers formed.Fences may becovered too.

Seeds spread bybirds and haveshort life in soil.

Very small-scale: dig outwhole plant. Larger-scale:repeated treatments withherbicide spray (OL).

Crack willowSalix fragilis

Low, branchingdeciduous tree.

Grazing reducesestablishment ofnew trees in areasaccessible to stock.

Excludes nativeplants. Roots trapsediment and causewaterways to silt up.

Some willows setseeds but mostlyspread when twigsor branches fall offand establish newtrees.

Small plants (up to 2 m)may be sprayed (R) orsimply pulled out if notfirmly rooted. Medium-sized trees may betreated by cut-stump (R)but fragments must beremoved to preventspread. For larger treesstem injection (R) isbetter.

English ivy,Hedera helix.

Woody evergreenclimber or creeper.

Unlikely to spreadinto pasture unlessgrazing is very light.

Grows overshrubs/small treesand may cause themto collapse. As aground cover, itsuppresses nativespecies. Grows infull sun to deepshade.

Seeds spread bybirds. Stemfragments will takeroot.

Small-scale: remove byhand. Larger-scale: ifgrowing up trees cut offand treat stumps withherbicide (OL). Whengrowing on the groundherbicide spray (R).

17

Weed Effect on stock Other impactsand properties

Dispersal &persistence

Recommended controltechniques

R=registered herbicidetreatment

OL=off-label herbicidetreatment

Gorse, furzeUlex europaeus

Medium to tall spinyshrub.

Young seedlingsgrazed, larger plantsavoided, reducingpasture productivity.Dense growth limitsstock movement.

Displaces nativeplants but mayprovide cover fornative fauna.Harbours rabbitsand foxes. Densepatches are a severefire hazard.Suppressed byheavy shade

Seeds spread byexplosive pods,also by birds andon animal hooves.Seeds last morethan 25 years.Seed bank can beextremely large.

Small-scale: dig out plantsor slash frequently toweaken them. Larger-scale: ideally, slash orburn then use grazing orherbicide spray (R) as afollow-up. Cut-stumpherbicide treatment (R) isan alternative for largerplants.

HawthornCrataegus monogyna

Deciduous tall shrubto small tree.

Young seedlingsgrazed by sheep,larger plantsavoided. Densegrowth limits stockmovement.

Impedes accesswhen dense.Competes withnative shrubs andshades out groundplants. Harboursrabbits and foxes.May be a foodsource for nativebirds.

Seeds spread bybirds.

Small seedlings: pull up,including the root. Largerseedlings and smallbushes: herbicide spray toleaves or basal bark (R).Large bushes/trees cut-stump herbicide (R).

RagwortSenecio jacobaea

(State Priority Weed)Biennial or perennialbroad-leaved herb.

Poisonous to sheepand cattle.Cattle generallyavoid ragwort(unless present inhay) and sheeptolerate quite largeamounts. Reducespasture productivity.

A problem in opensunny places wheredense growth mayinterfere withregeneration orplanting.

Seeds spread byanimals and inwind and water.Seeds aremoderatelypersistent in soil(some more than10 years).

Small scale: hand-pull ordig out. Large-scale:herbicide spray (R). Ifdeveloping tree cover isbeginning to suppressragwort it may besufficient to prevent seedproduction by slashing.

Reed sweet grass, Poaaquatica, glyceriaGlyceria maxima

Tall perennial grass.

Can cause cyanidepoisoning of stock.Cattle can becomebogged afterbreaking throughthe root mat.

Displaces nativeplants. May coversmall creeks witheffects on aquaticfauna. Can growacross creeks andblock flow. Watermay then be tainted.Suppressed bymoderate to heavyshade.

Rhizomefragments spreaddownstream.Seeds spread inwater or in mudon hooves,machinery etc.

Establish a dense shadecover or use herbicidespray (R for terrestrial, OLaquatic situations).Grazing may suppress it ifthis is considered safe.

Serrated tussockNassella trichotoma

(State Priority weed)Perennial tussockgrass.

Usually avoided, lowfeed value, seedscontaminate wool.

Competes withnative grasses.Suppressed by treeor shrub cover or byvigorous improvedpasture.

Seeds spread bywind and animals.Seeds aremoderatelypersistent in soil.

Dense tree and shrubcover will suppress it.Small-scale: dig outtussocks. Large-scale:herbicide spray (R).Burning then allowingregrowth before sprayingwill remove dead materialand kill surface seeds.

18

Weed Effect on stock Other impactsand properties

Dispersal &persistence

Recommended controltechniques

R=registered herbicidetreatment

OL=off-label herbicidetreatment

Tradescantia,wandering JewTradescantiafluminensis

Low succulentcreeper. Referred toas Tradescantiaalbiflora on herbicidelabels.

Does not invadepastures. Nitratepoisoning hasoccurred when cattleare given access tolarge amounts.

Dense growth out-competes otherground layer plantsand seedlings oftrees and shrubs.Highly shadetolerant, lessvigorous in full sun.

No viable seedsseem to beproduced.Spreads whenstem fragmentsare moved around.

Small-scale: weakly rootedand easily removed with arake. Hand-weed anyregrowth. Alternatively,cover with plastic sheet.Larger-scale: herbicidespray (R).

Spiny rushJuncus acutus

Large tussock-forming rush.

Not readily eaten.Sharp spines onleaves deter stockaccess. Mostly aproblem on poorerwet land.

Eliminates almost allother vegetation.Harbours rabbits.May block drainsand watercourses.

Small seedsmoved by waterand in mud onvehicles etc.

Herbicides registered forcontrol of rushes may beapplied by wick-wiper (R).Mature plants can be dugout, stacked and burned.Follow either method withrepeated cultivation todestroy seedlings, thenplant replacementspecies.

Sweet briar, briar roseRosa rubiginosa

Spiny shrub with redfruit.

Not usually able toinvade well-usedpasture. Onceestablished thicketscan restrict stockmovement.

Competes withnative shrubs andtree seedlings.Prevents humanaccess and providesharbour for rabbits.

Seeds dispersedby birds and foxesthat eat the fruitand by water.

Dig out whole crown ofsmall plants. Large plantsby cut-stump herbicide(R). Larger-scale: basalbark or foliar herbicidetreatment (R). Goats areeffective.

Wild garlic, fieldgarlicAllium vineale

Erect strong-smellingperennial herb,slender hollow leaves.White, pink orgreenish flowers.Dies back tounderground bulbs insummer.

Even small amountscause a strong garlictaint in meat andmilk.

Desirable vegetationmay be damaged byefforts to controlthis persistent weed.

Flowering is rare,most stalksproduce onlybulbils (about thesize of a wheatgrain) and manyplants produceneither seeds norbulbils. Spread isslow except whendisturbance movesbulbs or bulbilsaround.

On a very small scale digout whole plants makingsure all bulbs areremoved. For larger scalework foliar herbicides (R).Regular mowing willweaken bulbs andprevent bulbils formingbut not eliminateinfestations.

Wild watsonia, bulbilwatsoniaWatsonia merianavar. bulbillifera.

Large perennial herb,sword-like leaves.Red, orange or pinkflowers on longspikes. Dies back tocorms in summer.

Not invasive inimproved pasture.

Dense standsdominate theground layer andmust be removedbefore nativespecies can beestablished. Densegrowth may blockdrains.

No seed isproduced butbulbils develop onthe flowering stemand these arespread by water orduring slashingetc.

Dig out whole plantsmaking sure corms areremoved. For larger scalework foliar herbicides (R).Slashing new growth canprevent spread andweaken the weed butMUST be done beforebulbils begin to form onstems.

19

6.2 Protecting native plantsAny exotic plant that becomes common is displacing the native plantspecies that would otherwise grow there and is therefore reducing thehabitat for insects and other creatures that rely on the native plants.However, sometimes native plants can survive beneath a cover of weeds,so it is always worthwhile checking before using non-selective controltechniques.

Species that are native to the locality can sometimes seem to be a problemwhere particular conditions have allowed them to become unusuallyvigorous. Regulations in all planning schemes in Victoria exist toconserve and protect native vegetation. These regulations require apermit to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation, although someexemptions apply. If your weed problem involves native vegetation inany way always check with your local government office to determine ifa planning permit is required.

Table 7 Suitability of different control methods

Method Suitable situations(See also references 1 & 9) Comments

Remove by handSmall areas, weeds that can beremoved intact without much soildisturbance.

Recommended for situations whereit is otherwise difficult to avoiddamaging sensitive native speciesor where erosion may occur due toloss of vegetative cover if too muchbare earth is exposed at once.

Mechanical removal Areas with no native vegetation thatare accessible to machinery.

Risk of soil compaction and erosion.Replanting or reseeding and follow-up weed control essential. ConsultCMA before working on a waterway.

Slashing

Apply in accessible areas tosuppress and weaken perennialweeds or to prevent seedproduction. Only where nativespecies can be avoided.

Some weeds need frequent slashingto weaken them. Take care not tospread weeds while slashing themby cleaning slasher before and aftereach use prior to leaving each site.

Weed matWeeds that will die when coveredwhere weed cover is continuous andarea small.

Livestock, wind, floods may disturbthe mat.

Goats

To remove susceptible weeds wherenative plants are absent or onlypresent as large trees. Severalseasons may be needed.

Not recommended where goats maydamage native ground flora orshrubs. Extra fencing to containgoats can be a big expense.

Controlled grazing(sheep and cattle)

Palatable weeds and with grazing-tolerant native plants. Wheregrazing can be tightly controlled.

Disturbance of the soil and damageto native species may offset weedcontrol benefits.

Biological controlApplies only to some weeds forwhich biological control agents havebeen introduced (see Appendix 1).

Not suitable if eradication isfeasible. Effects can be slow; othermeasures may also be needed.

Ring-bark Trees that don’t re-sprout. Dead tree may be a safety concernor problem for fences when it falls.

20

Method Suitable situations(See also references 1 & 9) Comments

Cut-paint herbicide

Trees and shrubs that wouldotherwise re-sprout, where thenumber of stems to treat ismanageable.

Reduces the risk of herbicide drift orrun off causing off-target damage tonative plants or contaminatingwaterway.

Herbicide byknapsack spray

Small infestations of grasses, herbsor small shrubs. Basal barktreatment or seedlings of largerspecies.

Good where weeds are amongstsensitive native plants, but be sureto cover or avoid native plants. Notsuitable for large areas or dense/tallbushes.

Herbicide by hand-gun

Larger infestations and tall/densebushes.

High output requires care to avoiddrift or runoff affecting waterwayand non-target plants.

Herbicide by wick-wiper

Hand-held: best for highly selectiveapplication to small weeds insensitive native vegetation.Machine-mounted: where weeds aretaller than other plants and land isfairly even.

Seek advice on whether thistechnique is effective for particularspecies. Wiping avoids possibleproblems with spray drift.

Flame gunSmall annual weeds can be killed byheat or to suppress/kill flowerstems of perennials. Small-scale.

Injury to native species may be aproblem; few riparian weeds aresusceptible to this method.

Controlled burn Fire-sensitive weeds in nativevegetation where fire is appropriate.

Follow-up weed control needed.Many safety concerns; consult CFAand DSE/CMA (if riparian zoneinvolves public land river frontage).

7 Safe and Legal Herbicide UseAlways read the label before using any herbicide and follow all thedirections given on the label.

A number of herbicides are restricted chemicals in Victoria. AnAgricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP) is required to be held by anyuser of restricted chemicals in Victoria unless exempted, such as sprayingcontractors holding a commercial operator licence. A person workingunder the direct supervision of an ACUP holder may also use restrictedchemicals. The user must also make and keep for a period of two yearscertain prescribed records of use.

Restricted chemicals are:

• Schedule 7 (S7) poisons that are agricultural chemicals• metham sodium• atrazine• ester formulations of triclopyr; MCPA; 2,4-D; and 2,4DB

Further restrictions on herbicide use exist within Chemical ControlAreas. If you are unsure of the chemical control area boundaries DPIChemical Standards Branch2 will advise whether your property is in achemical control area and what regulations apply.

The weed information in Table 6 includes whether any herbicides areregistered for that weed in Victoria. Where registered herbicides do existthe Chemical Information Service2 will provide details. Many

21

environmental weeds do not currently have any herbicides registered fortheir control. Using a herbicide to control a weed when it is notregistered for that particular species or situation (‘off-label’ use) issometimes legal in Victoria without a permit. Off-label use without apermit is subject to certain conditions and does not apply to restrictedchemicals. Your Regional Chemical Standards Officer2 is able to provideinformation on the conditions for legal off-label use.

Some herbicides that are persistent in soil carry warnings not to use themover the roots of desirable vegetation such as trees, or in places wherethey may be washed into contact with the roots. These instructions mustbe followed—there is in any case no point in achieving weed control atthe expense of killing valued trees and shrubs that could take many yearsto replace.

7.1 Herbicides and waterwaysSome formulations of glyphosate are registered for aquatic situations andthese are widely used when weeds are in or overhanging waterways.Other formulations of glyphosate that lack instructions for aquaticsituations on the label must not be used in this way. Some otherherbicides are registered for a smaller range of weeds in aquaticsituations. Labels of these products carry detailed instructions foraquatic use, which must be followed carefully. Additional surfactants(wetters) or penetrants should not be added during aquatic use ofglyphosate because none of them is registered for this purpose and theymay be harmful to aquatic organisms.

Sometimes riparian weeds are not well controlled by glyphosate, or aselective herbicide is preferable to avoid damage to non-target plants.Products without instructions for aquatic situations specified on the labelmay be used, so long as contamination of the waterway can be avoided.Spray must not be allowed to drift over water or applied to weedsoverhanging water. Generally, no minimum distance from the water’sedge to prevent contamination is specified on herbicide labels. The safedistance has to be assessed on a case-by-case basis taking into accounthow much herbicide is being used, method of application, mobility,persistence and toxicity of the particular herbicide and local conditionssuch as soil type and slope. Predicting herbicide behaviour requiresspecialised knowledge. For advice on your particular situation contactthe herbicide manufacturer.

Seek expert advice andalways aim to minimise the

amount you use

Using herbicides aroundwaterways requires

special care

22

Figure 2. Control of weeds in riparian situations isoften difficult.

8 Setting goals for weed managementManaging weeds in a riparian zone usually involves relatively smallcosts for equipment or herbicides but large amounts of time. Contractorsmay be used for larger jobs but often landholders will opt for the costsaving and increased flexibility of doing the work themselves. It isimportant to have a clear idea of how much time will be required beforemaking long term weed management plans. It is much better to setmodest targets for weed management that can be met even in yearswhere time is short, rather than start with a large commitment that has tobe dropped in some years.

Goals for weed management usually take the approach of eradication,suppression or containment. Depending on current skills, knowledgeand resources available it may be appropriate to adopt just one of theseapproaches for a period. However, as you update your WeedManagement Plan (and your skills, knowledge and resources) insubsequent years you may benefit by changing the goal, e.g., fromcontainment to suppression. Monitoring the extent of the infestation, andits adaptation to weather variations, may also help identify anopportunity to move to a more aggressive goal when its abundance orspread may naturally be retarded.

8.1 Eradication Eradication of a weed strictly means that not a single plant or seed existsin the managed area. Eradication is extremely difficult to achieve unlessthe weed is only present in very low numbers, the whole infestation isaccessible and it is not being constantly reintroduced from adjacent land.When it is feasible, eradication has the great advantage that future workis reduced to occasional checking to ensure continued weed-free status.However, attempting eradication when it is not achievable is one of thecommonest mistakes in weed management and leads to greatdisappointment when the goal has not been met after much effort.

A realistic aim and timescalefor your weed management

is important; trying to do toomuch too quickly can lead to

burnout

23

Another common mistake is the view that the application of onetreatment or control method is all that is needed. One way to assesswhether eradication is a realistic goal is to ask the following questions.

• Can I be sure of always spotting this weed before it seeds?• Do I have a good technique to kill it?• Do I have time to treat most of the mature plants every year?• Am I sure that this plant is not present upstream or in other places where

it could spread from?Eradication is feasible only if the answer to all these questions is “Yes”.

8.2 SuppressionSuppression involves reducing the density of weeds within theinfestation and at the same time preventing the infested area fromexpanding. The intention is to keep the weed at a level where ongoingtreatment is not too much work and to prevent spread to new areas. Theremaining level of the weed should be low enough that it is having littleor no effect on native vegetation or beneficial uses of the riparian zone.However, it is recognised from the start that the weed is not going to beeradicated.

Reasons for choosing suppression as a goal could include a largepersistent seed bank, difficulty in spotting seeding weeds or a low killrate from the best available control method. Reducing the infestation tothe desired level can be achieved gradually. The important point is thatthe rate of treatment each year must be greater than the rate of weedgrowth until the amount of the weed is acceptable. The treatment couldthen be as simple as slashing once or twice a year to ensure that no seedis set or pulling out new weeds when they reach flowering size.

8.3 Containment Containment involves defining the boundary (e.g., by wooden pegs) ofthe existing weed infestation and preventing any spread beyond that line.Within the infested area the weed may not be treated; it may evenbecome more dominant. This goal is most suitable when there are severedifficulties in attempting to treat the main part of the infestation. It maysimply be too large for the resources available, the weed may be verydifficult to kill or some obstacle such as steep banks may prevent access.Containment works best when the weed has a slow natural rate of spreadso that the annual effort required removing all occurrences outside theboundary is low. Sometimes it makes sense to have suppression as thegoal for the easier part of the infestation but just contain the most difficultareas.

9 Preparing a weed management planA weed management plan should be simple because that makes it morelikely that you will find time to update it in future years. The initial planwould usually consist of a rough sketch of the riparian zone with thelocation of the most serious weeds indicated. Reasons why certain weedsare the highest priority should be noted and aims stated. A short list ofthe planned work and time of year to do it should then follow. Someway of measuring the success of the plan is essential. A weedmanagement plan should be a part of an overall Property Managementor Whole Farm Plan to ensure that any weed management is undertaken

24

with consideration given to the management of broader production andenvironmental assets on the farm. Courses are available to equiplandholders with the necessary skills to prepare and implement suchplans. Contact DPI, DSE or your CMA to obtain information on suchcourses.

The following example shows what a plan might look like. Even if youhave the same weeds as in this example the plan for your riparian zonecould be very different.

Weed management along Ten Mile Creek

The creek was fenced off two years ago and mixed native trees and shrubs planted ingaps between some large old trees, after spraying out the mainly grass pasture.

Weeds identified, amount and legal status1. Blackberry. Scattered small bushes mainly along fence line. Regionally

Controlled.2. Cape broom. 30+ large bushes on steep banks. Regionally Controlled.3. Crack willow. Five trees over 2 m and a few smaller ones. Not declared.4. Flowering plum. 20+ plants up to 3 m tall near bridge. Not declared.5. English ivy. Large amounts on 2 of the old trees. Not declared.6. Capeweed. Scarce. Not declared.7. Phalaris. Dense in some unshaded areas. Not declared.

Aims• Eradicate English ivy and flowering plum in 4 years• Suppress blackberry by removing all new plants within 2 years (being

continually re-introduced from off property so no hope of eradication)• Suppress cape broom by killing all flowering-size bushes (seed bank too large

for eradication)• Contain willows for now, maybe remove later when new trees have stabilised

banks• No action needed on capeweed and phalaris; not increasing or threatening new

plantings

Work plan• Spring: cut and paint ivy and the largest plums once growth is well under way.• Summer: spray broom and blackberry, walk the creek and pull out any willow

branches that are taking root.• Autumn: Assess results of control, review methods if necessary, note areas

requiring re-treatment and any new occurrences of weeds. Prepare work planfor following year.

• Longer-term: Seek advice on willow removal and on revegetation of broominfested area once it’s under control.

25

10 Monitoring the resultsA record of whether your weed management is working is veryimportant. Without records you might be tempted to give up becauseyou aren’t sure that you’re getting anywhere, or you may carry on doingthe same thing when it isn’t succeeding. Records don’t have to be verydetailed or take much time to complete.

Photographs taken from the same place and at the same time each yearare a good way to measure progress, especially for weeds that are largeand easy to pick out. Try to use a fence post, large tree or similar featureas a marker for where to take the photo from and keep the direction, timeof year and lens the same each time.

When trying to push back the edge of an infestation a few marker stakes,paint dots on fence posts or marker tape on trees may be enough to showhow far you have got. If you are removing all the new seedlings orslashing all flower stems every year then a quick note of how much timetaken compared to last year shows whether things are getting better.Remember that the point of the exercise is not just to have fewer weeds; itis to reduce the effect of the weeds. A photo or note showing an increasein native species is a good indication that you are succeeding even ifthere still seem to be many weeds.

As important as reducing the weeds is the effect on native vegetation.Records should be good enough to pick up any unintentional damage tonative trees and shrubs caused by removing weeds. If damage occursyou need to rethink your control methods.

Monitoring the results is anessential part of weed

management

Using your records to decidewhat works and what

doesn’t will avoid wastingeffort

26

11 Sources of information

DSE, 2004, Securing our water future together, Victorian Government Department ofSustainability and Environment, Melbourne.

1 Lovett, S. & Price, P. (eds) 2002, Riparian Land Management Technical Guidelines Vol 1:Principles of sound management.S. Lovett P. Price (eds) 1999, Riparian Land Management Technical Guidelines Vol 2: On-ground management tools and techniques.Also other relevant technical reports at Land and Water Australia www.lwa.gov.au orcall 02 6257 3379.

2 Department of Primary Industries www.dpi.vic.gov.au, or call the customer servicecentre on 136 186. For chemical information follow links on www.dpi.vic.gov.au to findthe Chemical Standards Branch or call the Chemical Information Service on 03 92109379.

3 Department of Sustainability and Environment www.dse.vic.gov.au or call the customerservice centre on 136 186.

4 East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority www.egcma.com.au or call on (03)5153 0462

5 Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authorityhttp://www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au/main.htm or call on (03) 9785 0183

6 West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority www.wgcma.vic.gov.au or call on(03) 5175 7800 (Traralgon) or 5662 4555 (Leongatha).

7 Melbourne Water www.melbournewater.com.au or call on 131 722 (within Victoria) or03 9235 7100.

8 Blood, K., 2001, Environmental Weeds: A Field Guide for SE Australia, CooperativeResearch Centre for Weed Management Systems (Weeds CRC), Jerram SciencePublishers.

9 Muyt, A., 2001, Bush Invaders of south-east Australia, R.G. & F.J. Richardson.

10 National Herbarium of Victoria, Royal Botanic Gardens, Birdwood Ave, Private Bag2000, SOUTH YARRA, Victoria, 3141. Phone: 03 9252 2300 Fax: 03 9252 2350 Email:rba@rbg.vic.gov.au Website: www.rbg.vic.gov.au

11 National Weeds Strategy website http://www.weeds.org.au/preserving

12 Declared noxious weeds, LC0252, Ian Faithfull, February 2004, DSE Notes Series.

13 Randall, R., 2001, 'Research reports: Garden thugs, a national list of invasive andpotentially invasive garden plants', Plant Protection Quarterly, Vol 16, No 4, pp.138–170

14 Carr G.W., Yugovic J.V. and Robinson K.E., 1992, Environmental Weed Invasion inVictoria: Conservation and Management Implications, Department of Conservation andNatural Resources and Ecological Horticulture Pty Ltd.

27

15 Cremer, K.W., 1995, Willow identification for river management in Australia, CSIRO andNSW Agriculture.

16 Weeds CRC website www.weeds.crc.org.au or call on 08 8303 6590

17 Natural regeneration - case studies on the farm, LW0016 Frankie MacLennan, JimRobinson, Ian Higgins, Stephen Platt, July 1999, DSE Notes Series

18 McBarron, E.J., 1983, Poisonous plants. Handbook for farmers and graziers, Department ofAgriculture NSW, Inkata Press.

19 Environment ACT (2003), Weeds Brochurewww.environment.act.gov.au/Files/actweedsbrochure.pdf

20 East Gippsland Weed Action Plan 2000-2003, East Gippsland Catchment ManagementAuthority.

21 Port Phillip and Westernport Weed Action Plan 2003. Port Phillip and WesternportCatchment Management Authority.

22 West Gippsland Weed Action Plan 2000-2003. West Gippsland Catchment ManagementAuthority.

23 Common weeds of Gippsland. A weed identification and control guide produced by localCouncils, DPI and Landcare.

28

Appendix 1 Current Weed Biological Control Programs inVictoria

WeedCurrent biocontrol agents

E = established*, R = released but not established

Blackberry Rust fungus E; new strains approved for release.

Boneseed Two moths, seed fly, several beetles; all R.

Bridal creeper Rust fungus E, leafhopper E, leaf beetle approved for release.

Dock Moth E.

English broom Twig mining moth E, seed beetle R, psyllid (sap sucker) E.

Gorse Seed weevil E, spider mite E.

Horehound Two moths; both E.

Illyrian and Scotch thistles Three weevils; all E.

Paterson’s curse Leaf moth E, seed beetle and flea beetle E, root weevil E, stembeetle E, and crown weevil E.

Prickly pear Cochineal insect E

Ragwort Two flea beetles E, crown moth and cinnabar moth E, plumemoth E.

Skeleton weed Gall midge, gall mite, rust fungus all E.

Slender thistle Rust fungus E.

Spear thistle Seed weevil, crown weevil, gall fly; all E

St. John’s wort Two leaf beetles, aphid, gall midge & mite; all E.

Tutsan Rust fungus E

Tiger pear Cochineal insect E

Variegated thistle Seed weevil E

* Established agents may not yet be present in all infestations. DPI can provide information on the current situation.