The picturesque village of Tuross Head is set to get even prettier after a facelift of its urban bushland reserves.
Council weed control contractors started primary weed control works late last year, working on treating priority weed species such as asparagus fern, cape ivy, morning glory and mirror bush along most foreshore reserves and in littoral rainforests.
Mirror bush is extremely prevalent in Tuross according to Landcare project officer Emma Patyus.
“Mirror bush was most likely planted as an ornamental in home gardens and has spread relatively unchecked over many years so that it now inhabits most bushland reserves in Tuross. Luckily it is easy to control, responding really well to the simple cut and paint method. However, the sheer volume of this plant in Tuross will mean that control will be ongoing for several years.”
Council has been successful with obtaining three years’ worth of funding from the Local Land Services Community Industry and Landscapes Fund to control weeds in the seaside village.
“It’s fantastic having the funds to tackle something that has been a concern for local residents for some time,” Emma says.
“We’ve never had the resources before now to extend our control program from noxious weeds to incorporate environmental weeds like mirror bush.”
Council’s environment team will be doorknocking in priority areas, such as the foreshore, to speak with residents about the project and how they can assist.
“We’ll be doing this in the upcoming Easter school holidays when we anticipate many absentee owners will be visiting,” Emma said.
“The success of the program is definitely enhanced by the uptake on adjoining private property. Weeds are not picky about where they live and previously treated areas can be readily reinfested from weeds in home gardens.”
Council staff will be offering free advice about appropriate garden species, how to control weeds and even offering free native replacements for those residents that remove weeds form their gardens.
Emma says Council and Landcare are grateful to have the support of the Tuross Lakes Preservation Group, Tuross Head Progress Association and the local Landcare group who have all offered assistance with the program. Indeed, Landcare and TLPG have been working on similar projects in the area since the mid-eighties.
Residents can expect some browning of non-native vegetation in reserves as treatments are implemented. Mirror bush on the foreshore between Bridges Avenue to Kerrie Close will be treated last utilising the resources of the Green Army.
If you have any questions about the planned works, would like to book a free garden visit or volunteer with Landcare, please contact Emma on 4474 7300. Media Release
