If you've recently driven along Station Street in Alexandra or walked through Leckie Park along UT Creek, you may have noticed that some sections of the bushland reserve are starting to receive a makeover!
Murrindindi Shire Council, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA) and Menzies Support Services recently worked together on weed management activities and improvement plans for a section of bushland reserve on Station Street, which is connected to UT Creek.
Using the 'cut & paint' technique GBCMA's Working for Victoria teams treated and removed noxious and environmental weeds in the area, including Blackberry, Hawthorn, Montpellier Broom, and Prunus trees. North Central Construction was also engaged by GBCMA and Council to assist with weed removal and transportation to the Alexandra Resource Recovery Centre, where it will be turned into mulch (no berries or seeds were present to enable weeds to spread).
Menzies Support Services will provide a range of native plants, including grasses, small shrubs and trees, that will help stabilise soil, attract birdlife and improve the area aesthetically. Council and Menzies Support Services will collaborate on planting out the site later in the year.
Council's Environment Portfolio Councillor Karine Haslam said noxious and environmental weeds can present a threat to the biodiversity of our forests, creeks and bushland reserves and, if left untreated, can alter the fuel load and structure of native bushland areas.
'Some woody weeds, especially unmanaged Prunus trees can also aid in the movement and spread of Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF). As fruit from these trees is usually not harvested, it can host and therefore assist the lifecycle of QFF. With increased presence of QFF in Murrindindi Shire over the last few years, it's important that these weeds are managed effectively so we can help stop the spread of this insidious pest.
'The area is looking a lot better already and we're delighted with the results. It will look a little bare initially, but we're planning to work with Menzies Support Services to complete the makeover. Council will carry out follow-up weed control activities in spring, before any planting occurs and will continue to remove noxious and environmental weeds within the UT Creek area over time.
'This project is a great example of the results that can be achieved through collaboration, particularly when you combine resources to achieve a shared outcome. Importantly, these works will help re-establish native flora and fauna in the area while removing fuel loads and weed spread', Cr Haslam said.
