Serrated tussock is found in many rural areas across greater Geelong with the worst infestations occurring on farmland around Anakie, Lara and Little River.
As a Weed of National Significance, serrated tussock is regarded as one of Australia's worst weeds due to its invasiveness, potential for spread, and economic and environmental impacts.
Landowners are reminded of their responsibility to reduce serrated tussock on their properties now.
Spring is a crucial time for controlling serrated tussock, and it is important to control the plants as soon as they appear, before they set seed. They can be controlled by using herbicide spray.
Serrated tussock typically seeds in November in high volumes. Mature seed heads are carried along the ground and in the air and may be blown up to several kilometres. One large plant can produce up to 100,000 seeds each year.
Seeds are also dispersed by moving water, mud, in hay, on machinery and equipment, coats of livestock and in the animal droppings.
The City's contractors are currently spraying serrated tussock on rural roadsides and City managed land across the municipality.
The Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party and Agriculture Victoria are working with the City to inform landowners to act against serrated tussock and prevent its spread to neighbouring areas.
