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Weed control Werribee · VIC

Western Treatment Plant

Site of Biological Significance — Weed Control

ClientMelbourne Water
LocationWerribee, VIC
EcologyPlains Grassland
Duration2017 — present
StatusOngoing

Project overview

Endangered Plains Grassland on a Ramsar shoreline.

This site is located within the Port Phillip Bay Western Shoreline Ramsar site and comprises mostly of the endangered Plains Grassland with some small areas of vulnerable Coastal Saltmarsh. We manage this high quality grassland, predominantly treating Nassella species and other high threat weed species such as Artichoke Thistle, which have been all but eliminated from the site. Due to the relatively low infestation rates of said high threat weeds we have been able to move down the list of priorities to species of weeds such as annual grasses by brushcutting. This method allows us to simulate critically important fire disturbance regimes and is unlikely to damage native grasses while applying pressure to invasive species. Recovery of these areas has been promising and in the absence of the large biomass of previous year's annual weeds we can see clearly the infestations that were concealed within to treat them effectively and efficiently. We also remove Gold Dust Wattle and Cassinias as, while they are native, act as a woody weed in this area, quickly overtaking grassland areas.

Activities undertaken
during this project

Project highlights

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