Weed monitoring and early intervention makes economic sense

Mimosa covers a floodplain in the southern Daly

The Northern Territory will forever be haunted by a diary entry made by weed control officer Lofty Pickering on Wednesday 18 August 1966. At that time, Mimosa (Mimosa pigra) was confined to Darwin and the upper reaches of the Adelaide River. Realising that he was dealing with a major weed, Lofty asked for an extra agricultural labourer. He was told that he was glorifying his job.
A recent phone survey of Adelaide River producers suggests that about half a million dollars is spent controlling mimosa annually in that catchment. I know of one Mary River producer who spends $250,000 annually and a Finniss River producer who spends $170,000 annually. Then there’s Tipperary Group of Stations that spends massive amounts in the Daly Catchment, and significant infestations on Aboriginal lands from Wadeye to Oenpelli. We are talking millions of dollars spent annually for one weed. Time machine please!

Industry associations recently acquired funding under the Caring for our Country Community Landcare Grants to contain emerging weeds in certain Top End catchments. The Douglas Daly Community under the auspices of NT Farmers Association will take on http://landcarent.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/can-you-tell-grader-grass-from-kangaroo.htmland rubber bush. They will also be involved in a NT Cattlemen’s Association project raising awareness and management of exotic rat’s tail grass with Finniss and Adelaide River landholders. Both projects will run trials to increase efficacy of control.
While still awaiting funding deeds, we plan to hold a meeting in the Douglas Daly to raise awareness and discuss control options with interstate researchers, possibly in late August. Details will be uploaded to both Association websites.