JUMPING Cholla will be addressed as part of a New South Wales State Government pest and weed program.
Known as the Good Neighbours Program and led by Local Land Services, the effort will aim to undertake 21 initial projects in priority areas across NSW following $10 million in funding from the State Government.
The initiative is part of the Government’s $945 million effort to addressing biosecurity threats to the state’s $20 billion primary industries sector.
The Good Neighbours projects will target pest animals and problem weeds, including feral deer, feral pigs, tropical soda apple, and Hudson pear.
Improved on-ground outcomes could be achieved through coordinated pest animal and weed control programs, as well as capacity-building workshops, training and education for landholders and land managers.
As well as the jumping cholla in the Far West, Hudson Pear will be combated in the middle reaches of Stephens Creek to the west of Kinchega National Park, led by the managers of Kars and Eureka stations, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Castlereagh Macquarie County Council, and Local Land Services.
The Jumping Cholla Control Program will target the cacti in the Living Desert State Park and nearby Limestone and Nine Mile stations in the Broken Hill area, with the help of the station owners, Broken Hill City Council, Castlereagh Macquarie County Council and Local Land Services.
Local Land Services project manager of the Good Neighbours Program, Dale Kirby, said the funding came from an election commitment through the State Government.
“Good Neighbours will work with farmers, property owners, councils and wildlife services to create better weed and pest outcomes,” he said.
“Weeds are blind to the boundaries.”
Mr Kirby said they have been working with the Western Local Land Services and the regional weeds co-ordinator to provide on the ground support.
“We will offer support, on the ground weed control and a bio-release in the area,” he said.
“The projected area has it spreading into the Living Desert State Park.”
As jumping cholla can attach to livestock, wildlife, and vehicles Mr Kirby said’s working with Castlereagh Macquarie County Council has been a key part of the program.
“They do quite a lot of work and work with the local teams in the Western Region,” he said.
“It’s a community effort and we all work together in the space that helps to reduce pressure.”
