News & Information

Locals make mulch of pest plant

13 December 2004

Over 30 cubic metres of Coast Tea-tree has been removed by Moggs Creek residents during an environmental weed removal program.

The Surf Coast Shire, together with the Friends of Moggs Creek, trialed a program in November 2004 to reduce the abundance and spread of Coast Tea-tree (Leptospermum laevigatum), in the township.

It was one of several projects being implemented across the Shire as part of the 2004/2005-pest plant and animal program.

Council's environment officer Donna Groves said that integrated and co-ordinated pest plant programs were the key to long term management of weed problems in the Shire.

"Coast Tea-tree is of particular concern in the Moggs Creek area. The density of the plant, together with its invasive nature and ability to out-compete local species makes it a serious problem".

"This is a situation where a plant is out of place," she explained.

"Despite being an Australian native plant, Coast Tea-tree does not live harmoniously in this area. It is a real threat and has an enormous ability to invade and out-compete the natural ecosystem."

"This can mean a loss of key local species as well as jeopardising the survival of many threatened species found only in our region," she said.

Nearly one quarter of Moggs Creek residents joined the weed removal campaign over the Melbourne Cup weekend.

The removed material was chipped on-site and given to residents for mulch. An information sheet was provided to residents to assist with identification, removal and on-going control.

Environment Co-ordinator Craig McKiernan said that programs addressing pest plants had wider reaching benefits for the community.

"Programs like the Moggs Creek Weed to Mulch Trial integrate pest plant management with other programs such as Council's fire prevention program and biodiversity conservation program. The results can be seen instantly and everyone's efforts can be recognised".

The results of the trial will be reported to the Shire's Pest Plant and Animal Implementation Committee in December.

This advisory body consists of representatives from the community and other agencies, and has the task of designing key programs in line with Council's Pest Plant and Animal Action Plan and annual budget allocation.

For further information contact Donna Groves on 5261 0552.

Source: Surf Coast Shire media release