SERRATED TUSSOCK EXTENSION COMMENCES IN ROMSEY WEST

The community-led Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP) is launching a project to support and empower landholders to the west of the Romsey township, through the delivery of an extension program. This project continues from eight years of similar extension projects in the Bolinda, Gisborne, Riddells Creek, Clarkefield, Toolernvale and Monegeetta regions, and aims to ensure broadscale treatment of serrated tussock across the landscape.

The project area around Romsey, Hesket and Kerrie will include over 180 parcels of land covering 4500 hectares of farmland and rural living properties, including the important headwaters of Charlies Creek and Deep Creek. The project will aim to ensure that infestations of serrated tussock on roadsides, railway reserves and public land in the project area are also treated.

Serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) is a highly invasive grass native in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Peru. It is a priority weed in Victoria and has already covered over 250,000 hectares of valuable land, and is noted for reducing the productivity of pasture and creating a fire hazard. Scattered serrated tussock infestations have been found in the Romsey and Kerrie areas and if left untreated may rapidly decrease biodiversity in native grasslands and seriously reduce the agricultural capacity of properties.

Landholders in the project area will be offered a free property visit with strict social distancing, and will be provided with a map noting any serrated tussock infestations located on their property.

The program will also offer:

• A project launch and serrated tussock information day.
• Technical one to one advice on serrated tussock control and management for each situation, subject to COVID19 restrictions and upon the landowners agreement.
• A landholder information package detailing serrated tussock identification, control calendar and management options.

VSTWP Extension Officer, Ivan Carter said “Many landholders in this region may not know how to identify and manage serrated tussock, as the invasive grass is not established in this region. This project aims to increase awareness and provide technical advice on a property by property basis.” “Serrated tussock can be difficult to identify from other similar grasses but can quickly take over pastures and grasslands”.

“The serrated tussock message is about integrated weed management and productive land management. Prevention and early detection of new infestations and replacement of existing infestations with desired species is critical in managing this invasive plant. We have found plenty of small infestations in the Romsey region over the past 12 months. This is an ideal time to remove them before they spread rapidly” stated Mr. Carter.

The VSTWP, in partnership with stakeholders including Landcare, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Port Phillip Catchment Management Authority and the State Government of Victoria, offers support in the area to raise awareness of serrated tussock, promote best practice management techniques, and encourages communities to voluntarily manage this invasive species.