The Australian Government’s Green Army program will be rolled out in the Willows Township over coming months, targeting the destructive Willows Cactus weed.
Landcare Australia and Manpower Group, joint service providers of the program, are working with the Central Highlands Regional Council, Biosecurity Queensland and community members to deliver the project.
From next week, trained Green Army team members will begin basal bark spraying Willows Cactus plants on public land.
This control method involves spraying a herbicide mixture on the full circumference of the trunk or stem of the plant, allowing the solution to enter underground storage organs and slowly kill the targeted weed.
Time and resource permitting, team members may also spray identified Willows Cactus plants on private properties. This control will only be available for the Willows Cactus weed and not any other weed.
Willows Cactus can grow up to a height of 5-6 metres in the right conditions. It also fruits prolifically and produces a succulent fruit around the size of a golf ball, varying in colour from yellow to reddish purple.
Willows Cactus is not currently classed as a declared weed under Queensland Government legislation, but it is declared a pest under council’s local laws.
For more information please call council ranger Susan Walters on 1300 242 686 or email enquiries@chrc.qld.gov.au