Free workshops arm residents to fight weeds

Residents of the Tully and Daintree regions are now armed to confidently identify and begin to manage invasive weeds on their rainforest properties thanks to free weed management workshops held in November. Thirty-seven local landowners attended the fully-booked, two half-day sessions hosted by the ARF under the Rainforest Stewardship Program.

The workshops were a direct result of consultation with the community, where weed and feral animal management, were identified as a major problem on private rainforest blocks with residents calling not only for financial assistance but the skills and know-how to get the job done themselves.

	An acre of land was reclaimed from Guinea Grass and Singapore Daisy by Mission Beach resident Kerry Johnson with the help of the ARF’s mobile weed spraying unit.

Presenter, Paul LeGear, took participants through the ARF produced printed material supported by hands-on demonstrations and question and answer sessions. Feedback from participants reported The ARF plans to hold more workshops next year and will continue to work with the local community to assist residents with conservation issues that have been raised, and that will emerge, including feral animals, revegetation and fencing.

Landowners who attended the workshops are now also eligible to apply for financial assistance through ARF Weed Management grants of $500 - $5000.

More workshops will be held in 2008. To register your interest in these email info@arf.net.au

	The Daintree ARF 'Weed Team' Weeds cost Queensland an estimated $600 million every year and have significant impacts on primary industries, natural ecosystems, human and animal health. Weeds reduce biodiversity values and the integrity of rainforest Weeds decrease important wildlife food sources and sheltering areas Noxious weeds can reduce agricultural crop production Weeds are costly to the environment and expensive to control