Patches of Paterson’s curse growing alongside the Calder Freeway are being controlled, VicRoads has claimed.
Responding to concerns raised by motorists who noted purple flowers from Keilor Park Drive to the north of Gisborne, acting regional director Bryan Sherritt said VicRoads regularly inspected roadsides and conducted noxious weed eradication.
‘‘Our most recent inspections along the Calder Freeway revealed small and isolated traces of Paterson’s curse,’’ he said, adding that the highly invasive weed was often confused with other plants, such as vetch and lucerne, which also have purple flowers.
‘‘VicRoads works closely with the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources on a range of proactive initiatives for treating noxious weeds.
‘‘In late spring through to early summer last year, we conducted treatment programs targeting noxious weeds, including Paterson’s curse and St John’s wort, along the Calder.’’
Mr Sherritt said roadside maintenance contractors had to implement weed hygiene measures to reduce the spread of weeds such as Paterson’s curse and St John’s wort through contact with vehicles, machinery or as a result of operating procedures.
Paterson’s curse flourishes in fertile dark clays and is a wildflower of the Mediterranean, but a weedy pest in Australia. It is a threat to livestock due to its poisonous flower.
