Good Neighbours Program helps tackle orange hawkweed

More than half a million dollars in funding to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service-led orange hawkweed eradication program has delivered increased surveillance using drones, helicopters and weed detection dogs, as well as extra seasonal field staff to carry out on-ground control.

Between October and April, the National Parks and Wildlife Service surveyed more than 5,000 hectares of Kosciuszko National Park and neighbouring private land and found 0.15 hectares of orange hawkweed, which was swiftly controlled.

While the amount of orange hawkweed detected in NSW is low, it’s a race against the clock to stop the spread, and the Good Neighbours Program funding meant extra surveillance and control works at key sites was completed before the start of peak flowering season in summer.

Senior Project Officer Hawkweed Management, Emma Chapman-Davies, said this supported National Parks and Wildlife Service’s ambitious goal of eradication.

“The support from Local Land Services through the Good Neighbours Program has enabled us to make strong progress in the ongoing fight against orange hawkweed, delivering more boots on the ground to find and destroy the weed,” Ms Chapman-Davies said.

“This helps us determine whether we’re on track to meet our eradication targets.

“Information is power when it comes to managing pests and weeds, and more data helps us deliver more strategic, long-term control of orange hawkweed.”

Recent works have led to the early identification of new weed infestations, more strategic control and stronger collaboration with project partners, including Snowy Monaro Regional Council as the Local Control Authority.

Good Neighbours Program Project Manager, Dale Kirby, said public and private land managers were working together more effectively thanks to the program’s support.

“Early and coordinated action is key to protecting the unique ecosystems of Kosciuszko National Park, so it’s great to see everyone working together to tackle orange hawkweed as a united front,” Mr Kirby said.

“The Good Neighbours Program funding has allowed the team to map an additional 1,200 hectares of private land bordering the national park, supporting a strong, cross-tenure response.”

The orange hawkweed eradication program, established by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in 2003, was one of dozens of pest and weed management initiatives across the state to receive funding through the Good Neighbours Program, delivered by Local Land Services.

Orange hawkweed grows quickly in dense mats in cool climates, outcompeting native plants and threatening native animal habitat.

It was introduced from Europe and has spread to parts of Kosciuszko National Park and neighbouring private land, putting agricultural landscapes across the Monaro Plains at risk.

Visit the Local Land Services website for more information about the Good Neighbours Program.

Media Contact
Georgia Osland, Media & Public Affairs Officer | 0418 258 159 or georgia.osland@lls.nsw.gov.au