Denmark shire continues battle against invasive Sydney golden wattle ahead of spring

The Shire of Denmark is digging in for a spring showdown with Sydney golden wattle as it continues its fight to control the invasive weed.

Shire officers have been busy mapping reported sightings of Sydney golden wattle and Tasmanian blackwood.

Sydney golden wattle, pictured, originally grew in eastern Australia and was introduced to WA for garden trees or land restoration.

Both weeds are fast growing, seed prolifically and have long dormancy rates.

They can crowd native vegetation and become a bushfire hazard.

The Shire contracted Green Skills to carry out weed control work at more than 50 locations in August and September.

The Shire is also calling for private property owners to remove the weeds as early as possible in spring.

“It is important to undertake weed control prior to the plant producing seed because those seeds can persist in the soil for up to 20 years,” Shire sustainability officer Yvette Caruso said.

The weeds can be controlled by removing seedlings and small plants by hand or cutting down larger plants at ground level then painting the plant stump with glyphosate, according to the Shire.

Ms Caruso said State Government agencies, community weed action groups and the Shire had been working to eradicate the plants in recent years.

“It is important we work collaboratively with the community and others to take action on these invasive species to keep on top of the problem so that we can continue to keep our beautiful bush areas intact and free from the impacts of these invasive weeds,” she said.

To get involved, contact Green Skills, South Coast Bushcare Services or the Denmark Environment Centre.