On Thursday 23rd October, Hunter Local Land Services (HLLS) held a Woody Weeds Management Workshop at McCullys Gap, Muswellbrook. The day was well-attended by locals and those further up in the Hunter, with various talks on weed management strategies from numerous stakeholders.
Talks from Matt Kennedy HLLS on weed prioritisation, General Biosecurity Duty and obligations clarified regulations for landholders. John Eaton spoke on the importance of the Box-Gum Grassy Woodland (BGGW) habitat, and what could be done to support this community in conjunction with ongoing farming practices. Bengalla/New Hope Group Coal and MACH Energy gave project updates and overviews on their weed management strategies.
Following a delicious BBQ lunch, Rapid Spray + Mach Energy showcased equipment demonstrations which was then closely followed by Ben Gooden of the CSIRO giving a Woody Weed biocontrol presentation. The day was rounded off by attendees travelling to a nearby Travelling Stock Route demonstration site, where we witnessed an African Boxthorn Rust Fungus release demonstration! This site doubled as a demonstration site for the treatment of African Boxthorn and Galenia, with various control options the topic of conversation. An informative day enjoyed by all who attended.
