Shire of Manjimup calls for help to eradicate invasive wattle species

The Shire of Manjimup is calling for the community’s help to eradicate a invasive weed species that is suffocating native flora in bushland reserves. While an attractive plant, the Sydney golden wattle has escaped gardens and spread into bushland where it is smothering important and unique native flora, including orchids and wildflowers. The weed — which can easily be confused with native wattles — is now considered an invasive weed in the South West. Sensitive areas such as Windy Harbour face the greatest risk. Shire of Manjimup president Paul Omodei said the shire had been mapping the Sydney golden wattle’s population over the past five years, which had revealed the weed had spread into many bushland reserves. “Our parks and gardens team have removed a large amount of this weed in our reserves this year,” he said. He said many private properties and reserves needed weed control. “To achieve a landscape scale approach of control, the community will need to work together,” he said. “Targeting this weed now will reduce a costly legacy for future generations.” Southern Forests Community Landcare, Main Roads WA, Department of Biodiversity Conservation Attractions and the Manjimup Weed Action Group have also invested in tackling the issue. “Local governments and land managers in the South West are spending time and money on tackling this weed due to its quick spreading nature,” Cr Omodei said. The shire’s website has advice for identifying the weed and lists priority weeds with remedies for treatment.