Drought Weeds Grant now available

We need your eyes on the ground to spot weeds! Use this form to report weeds in the Southern Midlands Municipality or if you need assistance in identifying a potential weed. Please provide a detailed description of the location, including any identifying features (i.e. power pole numbers, street address, description of nearby buildings). Weed management is prioritised according to the Southern Midlands Weed Management Strategy (SMWMS). Alternatively, weed sightings and photos can also be sent via SMS to 0458 793 855.

Report a weed

Farmers in the Southern Midlands have access to support to manage weed issues related to drought, as part of the Tasmanian Government’s Weed Action Fund Drought and Weed Management Program.  A small grant program is currently open to assist farmers impacted by drought to undertake targeted weed management of species that limit agricultural production. This is part of a larger project which includes the drought affected municipalities of Break O’Day, Glamorgan Spring Bay, Sorell and Tasman.

Applications are to be submitted to: [email protected] or delivered to Southern Midlands Council,  71 High Street, Oatlands Tasmania 7120, by 9am on Monday 14th September 2020.  Applicants will be notified on the outcome by Wednesday 30th September.

The Southern Midlands Drought Weeds Project has $30 000 available in total for grants, with expectations to support around 10 projects,  funding approximately $2500 each.  Applicants are required to contribute a minimum of 34% of project costs. Projects seeking more, or less than $2500, will be considered on their merits.

Please read the Municipal Drought Weeds Grants 2020 - Guidelines and Eligibility, before filling out the Drought Weeds Grant 2020 Application Form.

The Southern Midlands Weed Management Strategy 2020-2025 outlines criteria for determining weed management priorities in the Southern Midlands (appendix 1, p21).  Priority weeds with impacts pre and post drought include (but not limited to);

Cotton thistle, nodding thistle, saffron thistle, Chilean Needle Grass, serrated tussock, stemless thistle, St John’s wort, African Lovegrass and Mouse ear hawkweed.

Please contact the Southern Midlands Weeds Officer to discuss your project or for more information on the grants:  [email protected], 06 6254 5046 (Mon-Tuesday).  If unavailable please leave a message and we will respond ASAP.

The Southern Midlands Weed Management Strategy aims to tackle weed management issues facing all landholders within the Southern Midlands Municipality.

The overall aim of the Southern Midlands Weeds Management Strategy is to ensure a coordinated cross land tenure approach to weed management, that is cost-effective and inclusive of all landowners.

There is information on how weed control actions are prioritised in the Strategy along with photos and a list of all declared weeds in the municipality. Council uses the SMWMS as a guide for prioritising on ground works on council managed roads and property.

View or download Priority Weeds for Control in the Southern Midlands

Detailed information on individual weed species, including control advice is available from the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment. https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/invasive-species/weeds

Some high priority weeds for control in Southern Midlands are (but not limited to):

It is important you are aware of the presence of any declared weeds on your property, particularly if you are undertaking earthworks. Landowners have responsibilities under the Weed Management Act 1999 to prevent spread or any weeds. It is also important to prevent weed problems and ensure you don’t bring any weeds onto your property. The Weed and Disease Planning and Hygiene Guidelines provide information on how to prevent weed spread in these situations and what legislation and permits you may need.

Vacant land, particularly where there is a history of soil disturbance (old house site, road or vegetation clearance) are common sites for weeds to establish. Please familiarise yourself with the priority weeds of the Southern Midlands and take note of the vegetation on your property. Ensuring your contact details are up to date with council will mean you can undertake prompt control if notified of weed issues.

Farmers play an important part in preventing weed spread in the Southern Midlands, with much land in the municipality used for agricultural production. The following strategies can be used to prevent weeds from spreading on and from your property.

The NRM South Farm Biosecurity Planning Guide provides further information on managing farm biosecurity.