Billboard bid blocked over Chilean needle grass risk

WHEN Mansfield Shire Council met on Wednesday 21 May, they were addressed by a enthusiastic advertising executive from a metro-based company whose mission statement is to 'develop the best quality billboards in regional Victoria.' The individual sought council approval to erect a billboard at 215 Dead Horse Lane and outlined his case for how it would benefit the site. The councillors and council staff listened without comment as the individual explained how the sign might enhance one of the shire’s Alpine approaches. "You put landscaping around the sign, you introduce a number of trees and then shrubs in front of it and around it and behind it to integrate it with that surrounding context of trees..." Despite the executive's strongest arguments, his application was rejected after a deputation was made in which an advocate warned of the potential dire consequences of disturbing an infestation of one of Australia's worst and most feared noxious weeds at the proposed site. Chilean needle grass. Given the threat of the noxious weed, the advertising executive's application was summarily dismissed with Cr James Tehan particularly troubled by the prospect of disturbing the weed. "The Chilean needle grass could have devastating effects if it was to spread," he said. "If it got out into our agricultural areas, particularly the seed growing industry would be vastly affected by it. "It's prevalent in the western district and it destroys the woolclip of sheep farmers down there. "It has devastating effects." Given the serious nature of the conversation, the Mansfield Courier asked council for more information on the matter. A council representative told us that Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) is a declared noxious weed under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 and is classed as a ‘restricted’ weed in all Victorian catchments. "Chilean needle grass is a perennial tussock-forming grass in the speargrass group," they said. "Reaching up to one metre in height, it closely resembles native spear grasses but is highly invasive and can cause serious harm to livestock. "Chilean needle grass seeds are large and heavy, limiting their ability to travel far in the wind, typically only a few metres. "Because of this they can typically be found in clusters in a particular area. "The main dispersal comes from the sharp-pointed seeds attaching to animal fur, clothing, and machinery. "Restricted weeds pose a significant threat to primary production, Crown Land, the environment, and community health in other States or Territories, with the potential to spread into and within Victoria. "Selling or trading these weeds in Victoria would present an unacceptable risk of further spread. "While landowners are not required to control restricted weeds on their property, they are prohibited from trading or transporting them within Victoria. "It is important to remain vigilant for noxious weeds. "The most important thing is to remember that it can be mistaken for some of our native grasses, so clear identification is required. "If people are concerned that they may have Chilean needle grass, or any other noxious weeds on their property, they can reach out to Council for general advice on control methods, or for further information they can Contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186. "Up2Us Landcare Alliance can also assist Landholders with information on management of weeds on private property."

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