Thursday the 28th of November, 2024
An invasive plant that produces thousands of seeds is attacking Lysterfield Park – Friends of Lysterfield Park and a South-East MP are calling for a control plan before it’s too late.
Friends of Lysterfield Park, the volunteer group, which works to conserve the 1400-hectare nature pocket and Legalise Cannabis MP Rachel Payne says the boneseed shrub, which produces 50,000 seeds per plant, is consuming the park.
“There are already one million boneseed weed trees in Lysterfield Park at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges,” Ms Payne said.
“Boneseed originates in Africa, another continent in the southern hemisphere so performs well in Australia. It’s a weed of national significance and is reducing the biodiversity value of our beautiful Lysterfield Park.
“Boneseed is a woody shrub with bright yellow daisy flowers that can outcompete native plants in Lysterfield. This then reduces the amount of food and habitat for native animals, like kangaroos and wallabies, which call the park home.
“The number of boneseed shrubs in the park is doubling every three years. I’ve raised the threat to the park in parliament and I’ve asked the Victoria’s Minister of Environment and Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos if the government will fund a comprehensive control program as soon as possible.
“Lysterfield Park with its beautiful lake, picnic areas, and cycle and walking tracks is too precious to lose.”
Victorian Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos, in responding to Ms Payne’s question, said it was impossible to erase the boneseed shrub.
“I am advised that complete eradication of this species is not feasible due to the highly mobile seed bank which is spread by birds, native animals and pest animals,” he said.
“Parks Victoria delivers several weed management programs in Lysterfield Park with a focus on the protection of key biodiversity assets.
“Programs include the removal of boneseed and other noxious weed species. Management of weeds such as boneseed is labour intensive, requiring direct application of an approved herbicide or manual removal. Parks Victoria will continue to monitor areas of high conservation value within the park and treat priority areas.”
Tony Forster from Friends of Lysterfield Park said the government has a piecemeal approach to infestation but needed an overarching blueprint.
“The government has a plan for 5 per cent to 10 per cent of the park, the priority areas, but what is the plan for the remainder of the park?” Mr Forster said.
“Ignoring 90 per cent of the park is not a long-term solution. The longer the government leaves the infestation, the more expense the problem will become to control.
“If this is neglected for three years, it will cost twice as much to address. Control this noxious weed now, because it is eating our beautiful park. Spend the money, invest in nature – this park is loved in the South-East.”
Media contact: Christine Tondorf Phone: 0413 307 092
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