Woody Weed Control in Action: Field Day on the Broken River
Woody weeds are thriving across the Mansfield Shire, with species like Blackberry, Briar Rose, Broom, Gorse, and Thistle posing serious challenges for farmers and landholders. Among them, Blackberry is particularly invasive, threatening both the environment and agricultural productivity.
Blackberry thickets choke out native vegetation, limit pasture growth, and create shelter for pest species such as rabbits, deer, and foxes. They also restrict access to watercourses, making grazing difficult, and their dense, thorny growth reduces land usability while increasing fire risks from dead canes.
“Blackberry chokes watercourses, reducing access and overall amenity while increasing fire risk,” explains Kim Magnay, Up2Us Landcare Facilitator. “For landholders, this adds stress and diminishes the landscape’s value.”
If woody weeds are spreading on your property, now is the time to act. Small infestations can be managed through physical removal, while larger areas benefit from strategic spraying programs, best applied between November and April.
To support landholders, Up2Us offers rebates and incentives, including subsidies for herbicides and contractors, as well as extra financial assistance for neighbouring properties working together. Landholders can also access free property visits and tailored four-year woody weed management plans. A 200-litre battery-powered spray unit is available for hire, and Delatite Landcare group members may be eligible for additional funding.
Join us on Sunday, March 16th, for a Woody Weed Field Day at Gonzaga Reserve, Old Tolmie Road, Barwite. This free event will cover herbicide use, control techniques, financial support options, and equipment recommendations. Learn from expert guest speaker Cam Paterson and hear from landholders successfully managing Blackberry infestations.
📅 Date: Sunday, March 16th
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Gonzaga Reserve, Barwite
Head to our events page to register for this free event!
For more details, contact Up2Us at 5779 1593 or email Rhiannon at landcare2@up2us.org.au.
