Bid to save South waterway

Published on 10 December 2021

* Western Local Land Services Biosecurity Support Officer Courtney Lallard, Western Local Land Services Coordinator Andy McKinnon, and Council Strategic Asset Manager Chris Ford in front of some of the giant reed that has already been removed. 

Broken Hill City Council and Western Local Land Services have combined forces to remove invasive Giant Reed growths in the city's South.

Giant Reed, also known as elephant grass, is a native grass of the Middle East and southern Asia that grows quickly and is difficult to remove once established. Its large dense stands outcompete native plants and reduce food and habitat for native animals.

As part of the Broken Hill City Council's commitment to weed control, Council staff and contractors operating under the guidance of Local Land Services weed officers removed the stems from a large clump of Giant Reed near the airport, exposing the massive root system which grows beneath the plants.

Specialised Weed Services operator, Brett Kane, then applied a systemic herbicide to the regrowth to kill the root system, which is choking a small waterway that runs from the South Broken Hill area towards the Airport near Pro Hart Way.

The work is the first step in a two-stage project to rid this part of the Common of the invasive reed.

"It's great to see this work progressing. Giant Reed has choked many waterways around the state, and it's satisfying to see them eradicating these clumps," said Western Regional Weeds Coordinator, Andy McKinnon.

"The cooperative approach of the City Council in dealing with this species and other weed issues in the area is gratifying."

In addition to the reed removal, Council has also partnered with Specialised Weed Services to remove a large swathe of invasive cacti in the regeneration area in the city's North.

Anyone who notices the spread of invasive plants are encouraged to contact Courtney Lallard, Local Land Services Biosecurity Weeds Officer, on 0499 924 501.