Weed Management Strategy
Practices in place to prevent the spread of weeds
The list below illustrates the types of weeds found along the pipeline route.
| Common Name |
Scientific Name |
| African Lovegrass |
Eragrostis curvula |
| Blackberry |
Rubus fruticosus |
| Sweet Briar, Briar Rose |
Rose rubiginosa |
| Horehound |
Murrumbium vulgare |
| Nodding Thistle |
Carduus nutans |
| Paterson's Curse |
Echium plant-agineum |
| Saffron Thistle* |
Carthamus lanatus |
| Scotch and Illyrian Thistles |
Onopordum acanthium and O.illyricum |
| Serrated Tussock |
Nasella trichotoma |
| St John's Wort |
Hypericum perforatum |
Please note: Chilean Needle Grass (Nassella neesiana) is not present along the pipeline route but will be targeted as the seeds can easily be transferred and spread via construction and farm machinery.
African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula)
The African Lovegrass, see Figures 1 and 2, is a priority weed to control and manage because of its ability to colonise bare areas.
Figure 1: African Lovegrass along the pipeline route.
Figure 2: African Lovegrass close up.
It is a hardy, drought tolerant grass species which thrives on soils with low fertility. It can grow 30 cm to 120 cm tall and is easily confused with other tussocklike grasses such as Poa tussock (Poa labillardieri). To prevent small infestations from becoming large ones chip or spot spray the plant. Pastures with less than 70% ground cover are at greater risk of weed invasion. African lovegrass seedlings struggle to grow when ground cover is high.
Flupropanate is the most effective herbicide to use when controlling and managing the African lovegrass. The herbicide enters the plant through its leaves and roots but can take up to 18 months to kill the plant. It is best to avoid spraying in winter on the tablelands as herbicides may seep beyond the root zone while the plant is not actively growing. Glyphosate will also kill African lovegrass when applied to actively growing plants in spring and summer.
How do weeds spread?
There are many ways weeds can spread and the method depends on the type of seeds these weeds contain. The list below outlines some methods of dispersion.
| Carrier |
Result |
| Wind |
Seeds are blown and can travel up to 15km from the source |
| Vehicles and plant equipment |
Seeds caught on machinery and in soil can be moved from one area to another |
| Wildlife |
Birds and animals that eat the seeds and spread them through their droppings |
| Self propagating |
Some plants produce and release seeds that take root elsewhere or by sending out new shoots that develop into individual plants |
| Seeds enclosed in burrs |
Burrs adhere to clothing, animal hair and vehicles |
What are we doing to prevent weeds from spreading?
The overall aim of the project’s Weed Management Strategy is to prevent weeds from spreading during construction and controlling weeds prior to, during and following the rehabilitation works program. Weed maps, which illustrate the location and types of weeds present along the pipeline route are used to assist the implementation of the strategy.
Specific measures
The specific measures put in place depend on the type of weed that is being dealt with. For example, during the pre-construction phase actively growing African Lovegrass plants were spot sprayed with glyphosate to prevent flowering. Some populations of African Lovegrass were physically removed and disposed of offsite. Inspection of vehicles, plant and equipment for weed presence is mandatory when moving to and from various properties.
The specific measures put in place depend on the type of weed that is being dealt with. For example, during the pre-construction phase actively growing African Lovegrass plants were spot sprayed with glyphosate to prevent flowering. Some populations of African Lovegrass were physically removed and disposed of offsite. Inspection of vehicles, plant and equipment for weed presence is mandatory when moving to and from various properties.
Upon inspection and if required a vehicle, plant or equipment will be washed down in one of five designated wash down / inspection areas established along the pipeline. At the fixed wash down areas (see image below), water will drain into a 24 cubic metre hole, through a filtered pipe and into a secondary basin. The water will be reused in non-sensitive areas or disposed of off site.
Figure 3: Example of fixed wash-down area.
Whenever possible movement of vehicles will be from low to high weed infested areas to limit the spread of weeds.
How can you help?
The website below contains information on various types of weed and how they can be managed and controlled:
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pests-weeds/weeds/profiles
If you notice any of the above declared weeds along the pipeline vicinity please notify project or construction staff. This will help us proactively manage weeds in the area.
More information
For more project information, to discuss any concerns you may have about the project or to register/update your contact details, please contact the ACTEW's Water Security Information Line on (02) 6248 3563 or email watersecurity@actew.com.au
For urgent matters please call 1800 211 242 (24 hours).