Pipers Creek Landcare recently partnered with the Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT) and Macedon Ranges council, to present a demonstration day on the control of the weed gorse.
Approximately 60 people attended to observe first-hand the various mechanical methods of gorse knockdown and chemical application. They were also able to engage one-on-one with contractors, VGT experts and local Landcare members.
Having been recorded growing across Victoria, the weed has the appearance of a shrub and can grow up to four metres high and three metres in diameter, according to Agriculture Victoria.
VGT member Peter Sporle has also been a Pipers Creek Landcare member for 30 years and said the successful day proves there is light at the end of the tunnel.
“[The day was] a great example of professionalism and passion, empathy and emphasis, practical and cost effective delivery of proper advice,” Mr Sporle said.
“You can see something for your efforts, especially following mechanical removal and if you work with neighbours, whole landscapes appear where you never thought possible. It’s actually liberating.”
Mr Sporle said the cost effectiveness of mechanical knockdown of large infestations followed by chemical control in subsequent years was reinforced by each demonstrator.
“Although [it is] expensive in year one of a control program, subsequent yearly costs diminished significantly as regrowth became easier to access and chemically control,” he said.
For those who missed out on the day, Pipers Creek Landcare will hold a future event in conjunction with the Friends of Black Hill.
