Biosecurity Update

July 2020

Kylie Challen, Biosecurity Coordinator

Last month, a Brindabella - Wee Jasper Wild Dog Plan meeting was held. Data shared with the group demonstrated a reduction in reported stock lost and/or stock maimed. Of course, this is no reason to reduce the focus on wild dog management, nor operations. I just wanted to take a moment to reflect on a good outcome and to acknowledge the great work being done by our biosecurity team, customers and stakeholders. Wild dog control requires a collaborative effort between government, industry and rural communities, it is good to highlight examples of how this can work in practice.

I’d like to take this opportunity to raise a biosecurity threat that is on our doorstep, in the “weed world”. It’s called Parthenium. The Parthenium weed has been identified as a significant biosecurity risk in NSW and is listed as Prohibited Matter under Schedule 2 of the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015. It was recently detected near Wollongong.

Please download the Factsheet or go to the NSW DPI weeds website to learn more. It is believed this weed was introduced through the movement of stock feed sourced from interstate during the drought and bush fires. The weed has also been linked to whole grain chicken feed from Queensland.

Our Invasive Species Coordinator, Megan Wyllie, works closely with all Councils in the South East to ensure early detection of weeds. Megan asks that you remain vigilant and consider the following actions:

• Distribute new stock feed in a confined area or in one paddock and monitor for the emergence of new plants.
• Ensure paddocks that have held new stock are monitored for new weeds.
• Consider how you dispose of chicken bedding and/or manure.
• Establish designated wash-down areas for machinery and equipment.
• Ensure workers and visitors to your property are aware that their vehicles can transfer weeds between sites and that any work crews implement hygiene practices.
• Report and treat new infestations as soon as you detect them to prevent further spread.
• Manage pest animals as they can spread weeds and/or overgraze your paddocks.
• Access weed identification guides, especially those focusing on your local area.

As we all know, prevention is better than cure. South East LLS encourage you all to remain vigilant and report or any unusual weeds/plants on your property or in your local area to the NSW DPI Biosecurity Hotline – 1800 680 244.