Weeds on the Bellarine
A weed is a plant that is out of place – growing where it does not belong. Weeds present a significant threat to the Bellarine Peninsula, as weeds
- Affect survival of local plants and wildlife
- Contribute to land degredation
- Threaten and create major cost for primary production
- Stop natural growth and revegetation
Under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, some plants are declared as noxious weeds in Victoria. Landowners and occupiers are legally responsible for the control of noxious weeds (see Noxious Weed and Pest Animal Management: Your Legal Roles and Responsibilities).
Many weeds also spread from back gardens into bushland and agricultural areas. Weeds spread by many means including seeds and cuttings being carried by the wind, birds, animals, water, and vehicles, as well as by the inappropriate dumping of rubbish.
Some of the key weeds of particular concern on the Bellarine are listed below. Information on each weed can be found by following the link which refers to the relevant pages at key websites. For a more detailed list, refer to our Bellarine Weeds List
- Chillean Needlegrass (WoNS) - refer National Best Practice Manual, DEPI, weeds website
- Bellarine Pea - refer DEPI, environment website
- Bluebell Creeper - refer weeds website
- Bridal Creeper (WoNS) - refer National Best Practice Manual, DEPI, weeds website, YouTube
- Broom (WoNS) - refer weeds website
- Cape Weed - refer weeds website
- Carpet Weed - refer environment website
- Gorse (WoNS) - refer National Best Practice Manual, DEPI, weeds website, Landcare Notes
- Phalaris Grass- refer DEPI, DPI NSW
- Serrated Tussock (WoNS) - see below and refer to National Best Practice Manual, DEPI, weeds website, Idententification video.
- Watsonia - refer DEPI, weeds website
- Yorkshire Fog - refer DEPI
WoNS denotes those declared Weeds of National Significance
Weed identification Tools can be found at
http://www.weeds.org.au/weedident.htm and http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/biodiversity/invasive/weeds/weedidtool.pl
The Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP) have developed anApp which guides landowners and managers through the process of how to identify serrated tussock. The App is available through all smart-phones, tablets and computers and enables users to scroll through a series of screens that outline the important features to look for when attempting to identify serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma). The App also features the Australia wide distribution of serrated tussock and allows users to move the interactive map around and see a time lapse over the past few decades.The ID App can be accessed through the VSTWP website at http://www.serratedtussock.com/idapp or by clicking on the ‘Identification App’ icon on our website homepage: www.serratedtussock.com
For further information
http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/agriculture-and-food/pests-diseases-and-weeds/weeds
http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/biodiversity/invasive-species/weeds-australia