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Landholders in the Limestone Coast are being supported to control African lovegrass infestations on their property by joining the African Lovegrass Control Program (the Program).
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), in partnership with the Limestone Coast (LC) Landscape Board, is offering free African lovegrass control to landholders. The Project aims to reduce the economic burden of the declared weed.
Landholders with any African lovegrass infestations are urged to sign up to the Program regardless if their property has just a few weeds or the infestation covers paddocks.
“We’re looking to have as many landholders as possible sign up so that we can cover as many hectares as possible,” said PIRSA Weed Control Coordinator, Simon Roos-Freeman.
Landholders in the Limestone Coast have until 25 October 2024 to sign up their property.
“This year we are expanding our control efforts to cover as much of the Limestone Coast as possible. We have boosted landholder assistance to include more herbicide and spraying options,” he said.
Team Leader of Northern Operations for the LC Landscape Board, Josh Rosser explained that along with the LC Landscape Board’s ramping up of control on roadsides, the recent workshop in Tintinara has increased landholder participation in the Program.
“Over forty people attended the workshop in Tintinara which presented the results from the Tintinara African lovegrass control demonstration site at Carcuma road, Tintinara. The workshop also presented complementary control methods for the weed, such as fire and stock grazing, along with integrated pest management and pasture improvement options.”
“Many landholders signed up to the Program on the day and we appreciated their support in reducing the impact and spread of this highly invasive grass to the agricultural industry and our environment.”
“We believe the funding for African lovegrass control will provide much-needed support during these dry times when farmers are juggling various priorities,” said Mr Rosser.
The program is funded by the Limestone Coast landscape levy, the Commonwealth Government and Government of South Australia through the Priority Weeds, Cropping and Pasture Weeds Program.
The agricultural impact of African lovegrass in the region is significant. The invasive weed displaces productive plants in pastures, produces unpalatable tussocks of low nutrition value to livestock and creates a fire hazard. The Program helps landholders to meet their obligations under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019.
