The North Central Catchment Authority (CMA), in partnership with public and private land managers, has undertaken works along Gunbower Creek in an effort to control large Blackberry infestations. 

The works have been carried out in lagoon systems and the national channel between Torrumbarry Weir and the Gunbower township to reduce the risk of Blackberry spreading to other sections of the waterway and lagoon systems.

The work is aimed at reducing the threat of Blackberry on the Ramsar listed wetland, increasing the success of re-establishment of native flora and importantly reducing harbour for pest animals such as rabbits and foxes.

Blackberry is listed as a Weed of National Significance and covers more than 8.8 million hectares across Australia. 

According to Trent Gibson, North Central CMA project manager, Blackberry degrades the natural environment, has a major impact on biodiversity, greatly restricts access to land and water, is a natural harbour for vermin such as rabbits and foxes and can create a fire hazard.

“The control of weeds, particularly Blackberry, is important to encourage native vegetation to re-establish in areas where there has been very little sunlight due to large areas of uncontrolled weeds,” said Trent,  “Blackberry not only threatens natural values of the Ramsar listed site, it also has an impact on recreational sites in the area and the aesthetics of the waterways.”

Treatment sites were selected based on the severity of the infestations, their ability to impact on the natural character of the waterways in downstream sections, and the degree of impact the weed has on recreation and amenities in the area.  Sites that have recently been treated will be expanded to include downstream sections, subject to confirmation of further funding next year.

“We are monitoring the sites where Blackberry has been treated and can already see that the works have had a positive impact on the control of the weed, just one month after initial treatment was applied,” said Trent.  

Trent confirmed that all major infestation areas that have been treated will be re-visited in the future to determine if further action is necessary to maximise the benefits of the works.

These works are part of the ‘Enhancing the values of the Gunbower Ramsar site’ project with funding from the Federal Government’s Caring for our Country program.

For further information visit www.nccma.vic.gov.au

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au