LOCAL landholder and former member of the Pastoralist’s Association, John Lawrence is working to try and fight cactus invasion in the city.
The Pastoralists Association of West Darling (PAWD) and Broken Hill City Council, along with Mr Lawrence, are urging people to report problem cacti in the city.
The targeted cactus species are Hudson Pear, Jumping Cholla, Boxing Glove and Devil’s Rope.
They are very invasive and can spread through outlying properties and regeneration areas.
Locals are also being encouraged to keep an eye out for mesquite bushes.
It is hoped a commitment can be obtained from the New South Wales Government to fund ongoing work to eradicate these invasive species.
“We want to make people aware of it,” Mr Lawrence said.
Mr Lawrence was involved with PAWD for over 28 years and lives at Nine Mile Station.
He said he’s spent about nine years spraying cacti.
“We started using the Cochineal bug and we thought that was the be all and end all,” Mr Lawrence said.
“But we’ve really got to start pushing to get government funding to get it up and running.”
The State Government has rolled out the Good Neighbours Program which provides funding for these cacti to be fought on properties.
They have also announced the Weeds Action Program with funds be given to local councils, known as Local Control Authorities (LCA), to detect and respond quickly to incursions of new high-risk weeds.
The program focuses on prevention and early intervention to stop the spread of problem weeds by providing practical resources and on-ground support to ensure a proactive and coordinated response by LCAs.
Mr Lawrence believes there would be benefit in having the funds spent locally.
“We employ the contractors locally,” he said.
“We’re at prepared to put our people through the chemical course (to ensure it is conducted correctly).”
He said the big issue now is reporting sightings of cacti.
“There’s no penalty if they report stuff, there’s no penalty at all. We want to try and dig it out of the town.
“There’s no sense at us trying to eradicate it (on properties), but it’s all started from town.”
Mr Lawrence said they’ve had outbursts of the jumping cholla on Nine Mile Station, spanning over three paddocks.
He has written a submission to the Good Neighbours project to try and access some funding to control the cacti.
“Engaging in local contractors will ensure flexibility, allowing them to co-ordinate around rain delays and other work commitments,” he said.
“We believe this approach will deliver effective on-ground outcomes while supporting local employment and landhold engagement.”
To report the plants contact PAWD on 8087 3322 or email pawd01@bigpond.net.au
