Council continues weed fight

Bunbury City Council is continuing efforts to fight against wattle weeds invading bushland and competing with native plants for water, light and nutrients.

The council has been working closely with Main Roads WA and the Bunbury Cemetery Board to battle the weeds.

“It is a tough and ongoing job but thanks to $22,200 in grant funding ... we have been able to make a dent in the local population by removing a very large infestation of Sydney golden wattle from a wetland in Carey Park,” City of Bunbury environmental officer Colin Spencer said.

Sydney golden wattle, which is native to Australia’s east coast, is the most problematic in Bunbury.

It was most likely introduced to the South West as an ornamental shade tree or soil stabiliser.

“We can’t manage weeds in isolation – all affected landholders big and small need to play a role,” Mr Spencer said.

“Seeds from one tree in a garden can be spread by birds and insects to other areas, starting new infestations.

“We encourage people to think about what they plant in their gardens as they may end up a weed in the bush next door.”