SHIRE OF IRWIN - A BRILLIANT BLEND
Weed control Weed Control
Weeds pose a significant threat to biodiversity within the Shire of Irwin. If left untreated, weed species can rapidly spread invading agricultural farm-land and natural environments, impacting on agricultural productivity, recreation, tourism and human health.
The Shire uses a range of methods to manage weed species within the region including the use of herbicides that comply with the Health (Pesticide) Regulations 2011. These regulations primarily relate to signage, notification and licensing.
Landholders responsiblities
All landholders, including Council, have a responsibility to manage weeds and pests on their own properties. As weeds have no regard for boundaries, a cooperative and proactive approach by all landowners is essential to control and minimise the spread. The Shire urges that action is taken for the removal of these species if they are identified on properties or verges which will support the Shire's efforts to decrease any further advancement into natural bushland areas or into neighbouring properties.
Weed eradication programs
The Shire undertakes targeted control measures to manage the growth and spread on Council-owned and managed land. Scheduled weed eradication programs for roadsides, and several reserves within the Shire take place to ensure asset protection, road user safety, fire mitigation as well as to control any introduced weed species.
The Shire aims to minimise the use of herbicides where possible. By frequently undertaking weed management on your own verge and keeping the verge well maintained, residents can actively assist the Shire and alleviate the need to spray the verge. This will assist with reducing the application of herbicide in front of your property.
Pest plantsPest Plants in the Shire of Irwin
Golden Crown Beard Golden Crown Beard or Dongara Daisy
This plant is a “disturbance specialist”, which means that any activity that disturbs the soil creates ideal conditions for its establishment.

Management and Control
Hand remove isolated plants, including tap root, before seed set. Carefully dispose of plants as they are known to re-sprout roots.
Further information on the management and control of this species is available on the Department of Parks and Wildlife's Website
https://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/plants-and-animals/plants/weeds

African Box Thorn African Box Thorn
This plant infests pastures, grasslands, open woodlands, roadsides, railways, disturbed sites, waste areas, coastal environs and inland waterways.

Management and Control
Hand pull or dig out small seedlings ensuring removal of all roots.
Further information on the management and control of this species is available on the Department of Parks and Wildlife's Website
https://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/plants-and-animals/plants/weeds

Walkaway Burr Walkaway Burr (Cenchrus echinatus)
This is a perennial grass that grows 12 to 75cm high in sandy or gravelly terrain. It contains sharp burrs that easily spread in areas that have been disturbed.

Management and Control
Prevent seed set. Manually remove small infestations and isolated plants.
Further information on the management and control of this species is available on the Department of Parks and Wildlife's Website
https://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/plants-and-animals/plants/weeds
