Watch this short video featuring reports from AWC staff in the field at Yampi, Scotia, Mt Gibson, Newhaven, Piccaninny Plains and Mornington.Read more...
Weed control at Piccaninny Plains
Invasive weeds are a having a major environmental impact across much of Cape York. However, primarily because of its remote location and relatively short history of pastoralism, Piccaninny Plains remains relatively weed free.
15 weed species have been identified on Piccaninny Plains.
The highest priority weeds on Piccaninny Plains are as follows:
- Gamba grass: the area of occupancy is very low and eradication should be possible within a few years.
- Grader grass: treated with herbicide and slashing between flowering and seed set.
- Hymenachne: the area of occupancy is very low and eradication should be possible within a few years.
- Sicklepod: treated with herbicide and slashing between flowering and seed set.
Other weed species on Piccaninny Plains include opportunists in disturbed areas and have lesser environmental impact. These species will diminish as sources of disturbance (cattle, frequent fire, etc) are reduced. However, AWC staff also undertake strategic control in key areas to limit their spread.
Quarantine measures, such as vehicle wash down, are implemented to minimise the risk of spreading and introducing weeds.