There has been a recent outbreak of Cotton Bush in the Shire of Manjimup which is a timely reminder for all landowners to be on the lookout for the invasive weed. Cotton Bush is difficult to eradicate once established. Cotton Bush’s scientific name is Gomphocarpus fruticosus, it is commonly called swan plant and is grown to attract the Monarch butterfly. But Cotton Bush is a declared weed in Western Australia and landowners are legally required to destroy all plants and prevent seed set.
Shire President Paul Omodei said "Unlike other nearby local government areas, the Shire of Manjimup is relatively free of Cotton Bush. Cotton Bush is easy to identify at this time of year as the large white seed pods are visible and ready to shed seed. Cotton Bush seed can be spread by vehicles and machinery and seems to be coming up along roadsides".
To keep the Shire free of Cotton Bush, all landowners are encouraged to be vigilant and on the lookout, controlling plants that are found and reporting the incursion. Reports can be made to the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development’s My Pest Guide app or the online reporting form at www.agric.wa.gov.au/pests-weeds-diseases/mypestguide. The Shire of Manjimup uses GPS mapping to document weed spread and new incursions. Controlling invasive weeds and following up each year can reduce the costly weed burden for future generations. The priority weeds in the Shire of Manjimup are listed on the Shire website with remedies for treatment www.manjimup.wa.gov.au/our-services/sustainability/integrated-weed-management.
"In 2019 the Shire of Manjimup experienced an outbreak of Cotton Bush on a bushland reserve. The Shire’s Parks Operations team were quick to respond and treated the invasive weed before it could set seed. The most cost-effective time to tackle invasive species is when they are first introduced and are not yet widespread. The bush land reserve is checked by the Shire annually to see to ensure that Cotton Bush is eradicated. Currently there is no sign of the invasive weed. This shows that with a quick response, and with help from the community, it is possible to keep Cotton Bush and other weeds out of this Shire" he added.
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