Avon Weed Project

Wheatbelt Natural Resource Management (Wheatbelt NRM) has a dedicated team who focus on eradicating Weeds Of National Significance (WONS) found along the Avon River. Judd Davis, Wheatbelt NRM’s Noongar Budjar Carer Trainee, is an integral part of the WONS team and is involved in all aspects of weed eradication from surveying the river for infestations to chemical spraying and manual removal. Through the WONS project Judd has learnt many essential skills for weed control, including completing short courses on the use of chainsaws and chemicals. Greg Warburton, the Wheatbelt NRM Waterways Project Officer, manages the WONS project and has taught Judd many skills including:

• accurate identification of WONS species,
• using a GPS to survey weeds,
• engaging landholders,
• setting up photo monitoring points,
• efficient and safe use of chemicals around waterways and native plants,
• effective and alternate control methods for each of the WONS,
• preparing and safely transporting chemicals; and,
• canoeing.

Several (WONS) have invaded the Avon River in the Wheatbelt, which is having a significant impact on the health of the river. These introduced species choke out native vegetation and reduce the habitat available for native animals. The three WONS Wheatbelt NRM is controlling along the Avon River are Bridal Creeper, Tamarix and Box Thorn.