Group tackles lantana weed
Ord Land and Water has received funding to tackle the noxious weed lantana in an area just to the north of the Kununurra town site.
Co-ordinator Dick Pasfield said the main infestation appeared to be between the Ord River District Co-operative and the old sugar mill and focused on the western side of Weaber Plain Road.
With funding from the 25th Anniversary Landcare Grants, Mr Pasfield said Ord Land and Water was mapping and controlling the weed, but now wanted community assistance to determine the full extent of its range locally.
"Lantana is not common in Western Australia, but is widespread along the coastal sections of NSW and QLD where its impacts are significant," he said.
"The weed is toxic to stock (and) displaces pasture and native bushland by forming impenetrable thickets up to 4m high."
"Some plants found locally are up to 3m tall and are starting to form thickets."
Mr Pasfield said because the plant was spread by fruit-eating animals and birds, it could easily be found under large native trees favoured for roosting.
"It can easily be distinguished by the small cluster of pink/purple to white flowers and the small clusters of fruiting berries on the plants," he said.
Anyone who thinks they have seen the weed can contact Ord Land and Water on 9169 2222.
