Strategic pest and weed control projects occurred throughout the region again in 2016/17. The seven species targeted included Mimosa pigra, rubber vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora), pond apple (Annona glabra), giant rat’s tail grass (Sporobolous pyramidalis, Sporobolus natalensis), itch grass (Rottboellia cochinchinensis), Cat’s claw creeper (Macfadyena unguis-cati) and feral pigs. These priority species were selected in consultation with key stakeholders from the Mackay Regional Pest Management Group and influenced by regional priorities outlined in the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Regional Pest Management Strategy 2011-2014.
The primary focus of these projects is to reduce the impact of pests and weeds through on ground pest and weed control activities. Another important priority for the year was to increase awareness of the distribution and impact of priority species within the community and to increase community capacity to control the target species. This is
achieved through workshops, field days and training events. Investment in these projects will be ongoing pending funding. This allows for the delivery of more enduring, long term pest and weed management outcomes by building on the first four years of the projects and enhancing existing monitoring programs.
Monitoring Organisation Reef Catchments
Name Katrina Dent
Phone 4968 4207
Email katrina.dent@reefcatchments.com
Position in organisation General Manager
Activity Type land management (e.g. revegetation, pest and weed management)
Activity Indicators water quality in freshwater river basins
Activity location O'Connell catchment, Pioneer catchment, Plane catchment, Proserpine catchment
Frequency of monitoring
Monitoring Start Date 01/07/2016
30/06/2017Location of monitoring data
Date quality / confidence
Website URL http://reefcatchments.com.au/pests/
Collaborators Mackay Regional Pest Management Group, Pioneer, Whitsunday and Sarina Catchment Management Landcare Associations
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