Agriculture Victoria will be visiting properties in the Maldon and Baringhup area with high infestations of wheel cactus (Opuntia robusta) in a targeted effort to support landholders to reduce the population of the noxious weed.
Agriculture Victoria Leading Biosecurity Officer Jessica Seidel says the wheel cactus is classified as a regionally controlled weed, which means landholders must take steps to control the cactus if it exists on their property.
'The region is very fortunate to have the longstanding Tarrangower Cactus Control Group (TCCG) actively championing and assisting the community with the management of wheel cactus in north central Victoria,' Ms Seidel said.
'In partnership with TCCG, we are stepping in to help with a few properties that the group hasn't been able to contact to advise landholders on the long-term management and compliance requirements for wheel cactus.
'This is a clear example of what community-led action can achieve.'
Wheel cactus is a major issue for landowners when uncontrolled, forming dense thickets that outcompete other vegetation, restricting livestock from accessing feed and water, and making an ideal haven for rabbits.
Its barbs and spines can also injure people, stock, wildlife and pets.
The noxious weed is an erect succulent that grows up to 2 m high and consists of blue-green, barbed, fleshy pads about 40 cm in diameter. Each pad has up to 5 sharp spines approximately 4 cm in length rising from small, cushion-like bumps called areoles.
