Sunday, February 16, 2025

Griffith council tackles Prickly Pear

NSW

Griffith City Council has announced plans to conduct an extensive weed spraying campaign to eradicate the invasive Prickly Pear species on Scenic Hill.

The aim of the campaign is to protect the local environment and ensure the safety of residents, visitors, and wildlife in the area, Council said today.

To facilitate the eradication efforts, Council has erected signage and is conducting comprehensive mapping of the affected area. These measures will serve to raise awareness among the public and assist in identifying the extent of the Prickly Pear infestation, it said.

Griffith City Council’s Biosecurity Weeds Officer, Peter McGrath said Prickly Pear posed a serious threat to both people and the local ecosystem.

“The detached bristles and spines can inflict severe injuries, leading to infections, blindness, and even fatalities among native animals, pets, working dogs, and livestock,” Mr McGrath said.

“Prickly Pear is known for forming impenetrable walls of vegetation, making their control and removal a challenging task. To combat this issue effectively, a combination of control measures will be employed, including herbicide treatments and cut-stump application.”

Local residents are being urged to exercise caution while the weed spraying operations are underway.

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