Monday, May 6, 2013

Broom taking up all the room?

It's no surprise as this plant prides itself on readily invading native vegetation; roadsides in particular are a favourite spot for broom to take hold.  There are a number of varieties of broom that are problematic to the Australian environment because they are toxic to stock, provide harbour for feral animals and they increase fire fuel loads.  Unfortunately for South Gippslanders we have 3 varieties of broom that fit this description to contend with; Flax Leaf Broom, Cape Broom and English Broom. Each variety has unique characteristics however they all exhibit the same distinct pea shaped flowers in spring that are bright yellow in colour.  There are a number of ways to control broom weeds, they can be pulled out by hand (if small enough), slashed, grazed treated with herbicide yet what is the best approach? To answer this question (and hopefully unearth the best techniques currently available) the Federal Government is hosting a series of workshops titled "Building Best Practice- for Brooms and African Boxthorn" and you're invited.  The workshop in West Gippsland is to be held in Pakenham on Friday the 17th of May 2013, 10am to 2pm.  RSVP's to National Brooms Coordinator, Matt Springall on 0427 536 138 or email to matthew.springall@environment.nsw.gov.au . Having dealt with broom first hand I will be going. If you are a land manager also dealing with broom or boxthorn then I hope that you will be there too!