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Mount Isa Landcare Tackles Mesquite!

By James307 posted 05-10-2022 15:43

  

Mount Isa Landcare volunteers and Lake Eyre Basin Rangers have teamed up to treat an infestation of a large plant native to North and South America, Mesquite!

Mesquite has been declared a pest under the Cloncurry Shire Council's Pest Management Plan and was also recognised as a Weed of National Significance due to its invasiveness and potential impacts on biodiversity.

The plant is native to North and South America and was initially introduced in Australian as fodder for stock, and as ornamentals in station homestead or town gardens. It was also used in mine dumps and other soil stabilisation programs.

Mount Isa Landcare Secretary Mark Van Ryt said around 80 litres of herbicide was sprayed to treat the infestation along the Cameron River. "The Landcare group used a buggy and tackled the first six kilometres of the Cameron River below the mine tailings dam," he said.

Mr Van Ryt said the method for treating the infestation involved "wetting the plant stem or tree trunk up to a metre from the ground". This method for managing the plant is known as the basal bark spray method.

Under the Queensland Government's 2014 Biosecurity Act, mesquite is listed as a prohibited invasive plant. The Act requires all sightings of the plant to be reported to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours due to its invasive nature. The plant is capable of out-competing other vegetation and blocking water access.

Mr Van Ryt said he was grateful for the assistance afforded by the Lake Eyre Basin Rangers. "A firm rapport has been established between Mount Isa Landcare and the Lake Eyre Basin Rangers."

Great work Mount Isa Landcare!

Taken from Queensland Country Life.


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