Hepburn Shire Council responds swiftly to newly discovered Serrated Tussock infestations

Two small but significant infestations of the serious agricultural and environmental weed Serrated Tussock have been discovered on roadsides within Hepburn Shire, prompting a coordinated rapid response from Council, AgVic, local Landcare volunteers and the Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP). The outbreaks, confirmed by Council officers in late October, highlight the importance of community awareness and early detection in preventing this destructive weed from establishing in the region.

Serrated tussock remains rare in Hepburn Shire, but its impacts are well known west of Melbourne, where it has become a major land management burden. The grass is unpalatable to stock, spreads rapidly, and produces tens of thousands of seeds per plant, making early intervention crucial.

Ullina outbreak detected by vigilant landholder

The first infestation was discovered at Ullina after local farmer Russell Keith contacted Council’s Biodiversity Officer to confirm the identity of unusual grass tussocks along Powlett Hill Road. Russell’s awareness of serrated tussock stemmed from a Landcare presentation delivered by the VSTWP in 2023—a timely reminder of the value of community education.

On 30 October, Council officers confirmed numerous serrated tussock plants at flowering stage, only weeks away from seeding. The infestation covered several mattress-sized patches and scattered plants along approximately 50 metres of roadside. Although an unmanaged road, the area was disturbed during 2013 flood recovery works, and may have been exposed to weed seed via contaminated machinery. Russell also noted the site is frequently used by visiting hunters, presenting another potential source of contamination.

Second infestation found in Daylesford naturestrips

A separate outbreak was identified in Daylesford, where suspicious tussocks were noted in newly developed naturestrips at the Smith Street subdivision earlier in autumn. After discussions with the developer and contractors, Council inspections on 30 October confirmed the plants to be serrated tussock at early flowering stage. These plants may have arrived via contaminated native seed mixes or machinery used during construction.

Rapid response to prevent seeding

Given the proximity to seeding, immediate action was crucial. Council and its partners undertook the following steps:

• 30 October – early November:
  AgVic Biosecurity officers and the VSTWP were notified. With advice from AgVic, farmer Russell Keith began chipping out and double-bagging mature plants at Ullina, removing 13 bags of material before seed set.

• 10 November:
  A Council-engaged contractor completed the treatment of remaining plants at Ullina.

• 11–12 November:
  Council applied for, and received, a permit to transport and dispose of the bagged material safely at landfill.

• 13 November:
  Council scheduled a community awareness post on Facebook and Sustainable Hepburn.
  Thirteen bags of material were collected from Ullina, while two bags—containing around 150 plants—were removed from the Daylesford site and transported to the Daylesford Transfer Station for safe disposal.

Ongoing annual inspections and follow-up treatments will be required to prevent regrowth from the soil seedbank at both sites.

Community awareness proves critical

Despite the concern, the infestations are still small and eradicable due to the rapid reporting and coordinated action.

Council has highlighted several positive factors in this response:

• Outreach efforts by the Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party to local Landcare groups have successfully raised community awareness outside the main infestation belt.

• Community members were alert, engaged, and willing to act—a crucial factor in early detection.

• AgVic provided swift support and technical guidance.

• Strong internal coordination between Council teams—Biodiversity, Waste and Recovery, Communications, and Engineering—ensured timely and effective treatment.

Well done to the Hepburn Shire Council! We urge residents to remain vigilant in identifying unusual grass tussocks, especially during spring and early summer when serrated tussock is most recognisable. Early detection remains the most powerful tool in keeping this destructive weed from becoming established in the region.