War on wattle weed nears national park

A two-year battle to protect one of Albany's most popular national parks from an invasive weed has recently expanded into surrounding areas.

GreenSkills have treated and removed Sydney golden wattle from the Torndirrup peninsula since 2013, and received $45,000 of State NRM funding in March to extend the project until November, 2017.

Three crews have targeted private properties in Robinson, Cuthbert and Elleker for the first time, in a bid to control infestations which threaten previously cleared areas of Torndirrup National Park.

GreenSkills eco jobs supervisor Mark Natale said the plant finished its flowering season in August and was about to start seeding.

One tree can grow up to 10m and contain thousands of seeds, spread by birds, and choke native species at a rate of 300ha a year.

"Once it stops flowering it becomes less visible, but it is even more crucial (to control)," he said.

"We are trying to stop it from spreading west and encroaching into the national park and reserves."

Crews have removed infestations for no charge.

Contact GreenSkills on 9842 1334 for more information.