Machinery hygiene

Clean equipment is vital in preventing the spread of serrated tussock. Short accredited vehicle and machinery hygiene courses are available to build your understanding of how to prevent serrated tussock spreading. Remove contaminated soil and plant material with compressed air if it’s dry and water if wet. Conduct control activities to reduce exposure to serrated tussock seed and inspect machinery, vehicles and equipment regularly and clean when necessary. Ensure machinery is clean when leaving infested areas and before entering clean areas. Take extra care when serrated tussock is seeding in spring and early summer. Establish cleaning areas and monitor those sites to control serrated tussock plants.

Control Method Rating

Cost	Low Medium High
Efficacy	• • •

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When

Vehicles, equipment and machinery must be cleaned each time they’re used or brought onto the property. Include hygiene clauses in any contract work and check that contractors are accredited, understand hygiene and adhere to machinery hygiene standards. Make sure they maintain records of hygiene practices for machinery and the work site.

Pros and cons

Cleaning removes seeds of all weeds from equipment and machinery to reduce their spread as well animal and plant diseases in soil. Cleaning encourages regular equipment inspections and identifies any maintenance needed. It can be time consuming if not part of regular property practice and cleaning must be thorough.

Follow up

Inspect cleaning sites and manage any serrated tussock plants that emerge.

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Cultural Heritage AwarenessLandholders must be careful to avoid further damage to the environment (including waterways) and Aboriginal cultural heritage sites when using machinery. Be aware of your legal obligations and obtain the necessary permits. Aboriginal Cultural Heritage may be found during works at any time, at any place. If suspected heritage is discovered, work is to cease and a Preliminary Report Form must be completed and sent to vahr@dpc.vic.gov.au. If you are unsure, seek advice from Agriculture Victoria, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, First Peoples – State Relations (formerly Aboriginal Victoria) or your local council.

The information provided by this website is intended for general information only and should not be relied on or used as a substitute for professional advice for your particular situation.

Before undertaking any weed or rabbit management, always obtain advice from a qualified expert, with respect to your own situation. Always read and follow the label before using any of the products mentioned and ensure that you are undertaking weed and rabbit management in the appropriate conditions and in the appropriate manner.

We do not guarantee this website is without flaw of any kind, or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes, and therefore disclaim all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information contained on the website for any purpose.