Environmental weed control
There are many weeds that have been introduced to our region from around Australia or the world – and are spreading and displacing native species.
Weeds are one of the greatest threats to the unique biodiversity of the Margaret River region because they reduce biodiversity by outcompeting natives, reduce habitat values and often increase fire risk. Our worst weeds include arum lily, blackberry, broom, asparagus fern, butterfly bush, watsonia, dolichos pea, and weedy trees including olives, figs, sweet pittosporum, non-indigenous wattles, and Victorian teatree.
Many species are spread by birds and other animals, so successful control requires a strategic and coordinated approach. We work with many stakeholders in the region to drive action using a regional environmental weed strategy and a collaborative management group. Our coordinated weed control campaigns include the Arum Lily Blitz, the Woody Weed Campaign, and weed control to protect Woodtijup Bilya (the Margaret River).
Arum Lily Blitz
Arum lily is the most established, widespread weed in the Margaret River region. And it’s having a devastating impact on our native vegetation and biodiversity. But we’re fighting back with the Arum Lily Blitz – an ambitious 20-plus year vision that calls on all land managers to control arum lily to reduce the extent and spread of this invasive plant. Protecting the biodiversity and beauty of our region is a shared responsibility and the Blitz – which began in 2019 and is funded by the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program – engages more than 1500 landholders keen to do their bit.
The Blitz brings together the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, City of Busselton, Shire of Augusta Margaret River, Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association, Yallingup LCDC, Friends of the Cape to Cape Track and private landholders for a coordinated, concerted and sustained control effort.
Woody Weeds Campaign
Introduced tree species established in the region and spreading at an alarming rate include olives, figs, sweet pittosporum, Victorian teatree, Sydney golden wattle and other non-indigenous wattles. These species are infesting remnant native vegetation, out-competing native plants, changing the structure and composition of bushland and riparian vegetation, degrading habitat and increasing fire risk.
Our Woody Weeds Campaign is funded by the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program, using a strategic, coordinated, long term approach to involve all managers of public and private land in a concerted control effort.
Wooditjup Bilya environmental weed control
Nature Conservation works in partnership with the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River and Department of Water and Environmental Regulation on a yearly control program targeting blackberry, arum lily, African feather grass and woody weeds along the Margaret River. This comprehensive weed control program has run since 2012 and makes a very significant contribution to protecting the quality of the high value native vegetation along the river.
Latest news on Environmental Weed Control
Workshops to protect wildlife
Dunsborough and Eagle Bay residents have the chance to roll up their sleeves and take part in two hands-on community workshops focused on woody weed control and helping to protect wildlife. Held on Saturday, June 28, the Woody Weeds & Wildlife events will empower...
Arum lilies in firing line – like never before
Invasive arum lilies which threaten our special nature are in the firing line like never before, thanks to conservation groups, local governments and a growing army of landholders. Nature Conservation Margaret River Region’s hugely successful Arum Lily Blitz launches...
Sundowner highlights caring for environment
Preserving existing bush, planting natives, creating a wildlife garden, stopping weeds, rethinking burning and lobbying for the environment are some of the ways we can care for the special nature of our region. That was the advice a packed audience heard at Nature...
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Community Resource Centre
33 Tunbridge Street
Margaret River WA 6285
Postal Address
PO Box 1749 Margaret River WA. 6285
Contact Us
Phone: (08) 9757 2202
Email: info@natureconservation.org.au
