21 February 2025 | Weed control is a familiar topic to many of us, and it's an important one too. Not only for our residential back gardens but weeds can also have a huge detrimental impact on our local conservation areas. In early February, residents and experts gathered at West Strahan Beach to collaborate and learn more about invasive weeds on the West Coast.
A selection of invasive weeds which can be found on the West Coast. Photo credit: Jason Cullen NRM Cradle Coast.
The West Coast Weeds workshop was delivered in partnership with NRM Cradle Coast, and topics ranged from:
- What's the difference between garden weeds and environmental weeds?
- Weed seed dispersal methods
- Why are weeds in our bushlands a problem?
- Priority weeds on the West Coast
- What can you do about weeds?
Photo credit: Landcare Tasmania.
Landcare Tasmania project officer Luke Cooper kicked off the day with an introduction to the Ocean Beach Conservation Area Landscape Scale Project. He explained the goal of this project is to enhance the natural values of this important conservation area and surrounds, in collaboration with a range of stakeholders.
"Landcare Tasmania is undertaking weed control work in the conservation area as well as supporting the local group, Friends of the Henty to take on their own weed control initiatives. Over the past two years, we have engaged with the West Coast community in environmental topics such as weed control, environmental restoration and native pollinators," said Luke.
How do weeds impact our wild areas?
Jason Cullen, from the NRM Cradle Coast Healthy Harbour team, spoke about how weeds in our bush lands out-compete native plants, decreasing diversity of both plants and animals. This decreased diversity can also lead to an increase bushfire risk and a rise in pest animal species.
He highlighted how weed control requires commitment and patience to undergo work year after year but the results can be rewarding. Even removing a single weedy plant when you see it in bushland is crucial, as it can save many years of work.
The workshop also included a hands-on weed identification session on common weeds found in and around Strahan and discussions on how to manage weeds in your garden and local patch.
Images
Photo credit: Landcare Tasmania.
Axel Meiss, statewide weed contractor, shares his knowledge on weeds found in the Strahan region, and weed control. Photo credit: Landcare Tasmania.
Photo credit: Landcare Tasmania.
Take action
West Coast residents are invited to join the next Friends of the Henty working bee.
Sign up to their mailing list by emailing: [email protected]
Click here to read the West Coast Planting Guide produced by Cradle Coast NRM.
Interested in learning more about Macquarie Harbour and the endemic Maugean Skate?
Pop in to the Healthy Harbour Project Office between 9am-5pm Tuesday to Thursday at Shop 1 of the Union Steamship Building.
Do you know of an unloved area of bushland near you where weeds are starting to make their home?
Consider starting your own Landcare group!
Discover more here!
Thank you to all our speakers during the West Coast Weeds workshop:
Luke Cooper - Landcare Tasmania
Jason Cullen - NRM Cradle Coast Healthy Harbour Team
Mark Ross - Parks and Wildlife Tasmania West Coast
Luke Cooper - Friends of the Henty
Axel Meiss - Statewide weed contractor
This event was delivered in partnership with the Healthy Harbour Project, as part of Landcare Tasmania's West Coast Project funded by the Elsie Cameron Foundation. The Healthy Harbour Project is funded by the Australian Government and delivered by Cradle Coast NRM.
