Weed status of the Longreach Shire as of 1st June 2005.

The Longreach Shire is subject to high traffic flow and the associated risk of weed seed spread. The shire also shares common boundaries and river systems with 5 other shires.  Consequently it is vital that preventative measures are implemented to minimise risk of weed seed spread.

Parthenium is a serious threat to Longreach Shire given that it is transported through contaminated feed, livestock, vehicles, plant material, soil and gravel.  All infestations found have been treated and continue to be closely monitored.

Prickly Acacia is found in scattered infestations across the shire with a few denser infestations.  The shire plans to eradicate all mature trees in the shire down stream of Longreach and in the Darr catchment.

Mesquite is largely contained to 2 isolated areas within the shire.  The shire aims to remove all the mature trees and mop up the regrowth.

Parkinsonia is widely distributed in the shire, particularly along the Thomson River.  The shire plans to identify priority areas where eradication will be effective in halting spread of this weed.

Rubber vine, Mother-of-millions, Coral Cactus, Devil’s Rope Pear, Leuceana and Snake Cactus have all been identified within the shire and steps are currently being taken to ensure these infestations are effectively managed.

The following is a list of known weeds in the shire and their classification.  For information about these classifications, click here.

Class 1 pest plants - None

Class 2 pest plants – Parthenium, Prickly acacia, Parkinsonia, Rubber vine, Mother-of-millions, Mesquite

Class 3 pest plants - Athel Pine

Other pest plants - Coral Cactus, Devil’s Rope Pear, Snake cactus, Leuceana, Noogoora Burr