Maroondah City Council has brought in a team of four-hooved waste experts as part of its managed weed control program for the city.
A herd of Boer goats are currently feasting on local blackberries, the bulbs of onion weed and a tangled assortment of undergrowth as Council works to weed out problem plants.
“Goats naturally eat weeds and are an environmentally-friendly and sustainable way to remove undesirable vegetation without the use of herbicides,” Council said in a statement.
“They are also able to reach areas that machinery and people cannot.”
The goats are managed by Colin Arnold from GrazeAway, who says he noticed the goat’s love for weeds and other pest plants while tending to a large property.
“When I saw how goats ate and killed blackberries on a large-scale at a property I was managing, I knew they could be an effective tool as an alternative to herbicide,” said Mr Arnold.
He currently has over 70 goats scattered across Melbourne in varying herd sizes, from as small as four goats to as large as 30 goats.
“There are many benefits of having goats control weeds over chemicals. Goats are quite selective; their favourite things to eat are woody weeds and will often target weeds over some native species. They are quiet, very efficient and extremely effective. The community benefits as well; everyone loves goats,” he says.
Councillor Tasa Damante of Maroondah City’s Wicklow Ward says she is proud of the unconventional ways Council is working to sustainably manage weed control.
“As part of ensuring a green and sustainable future for our community, we are always looking for sustainable ways to manage our natural reserves.”
“It’s great to see the goats enjoying themselves in the retarding basin; I look forward to seeing them next time I visit Aquahub!” Cr Damante said.
Council says the goats will be enjoying the weed buffet at the Croydon Retarding Basin until June.