Published on Thursday, 26 August 2021 at 4:09:23 PM
The Shire of Ashburton will be conducting a trial removal of Leucaena trees as part of an investigation into potential options to control the spread of Leucaena trees within Tom Price.
Leucaena (weed) trees have been spreading rapidly throughout the townsite, primarily around watercourses.
These trees grow extremely rapidly and can form impenetrable thickets, displacing occupiable space and reducing biodiversity.
The seeds can lay dormant in the soil for up to 20 years and are highly transportable by humans, animals, birds, and water.
The decision was carried by Council in the August Ordinary Meeting to test the long-term effectiveness of using a forestry mulcher to eradicate local Leucaena infestations.
The Shire will be contracting locally owned business Pilbara Trees to conduct the trial removal. If this trial is successful, additional funding will be sought to formulate a future works program.
In addition to the trial removal, the Shire of Ashburton will commence consultation with Government Departments, industry, local organisations, and community groups to investigate potential options to control the spread of Leucaena trees, in line with the Shire’s Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027 to maintain flourishing natural environments and to conserve the region’s high biodiversity and landscape values.
For media information contact:
Alison Lennon
Manager Media and Communications, Shire of Ashburton
M: 0409 314 140 | E: [email protected]
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