Griffith City Council has announced plans to conduct an extensive weed spraying campaign to eradicate the invasive Prickly Pear species on Scenic Hill in the coming months.
The aim is to protect the local environment and ensure the safety of residents, visitors, and wildlife in the area.
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.
Griffith City Council’s Biosecurity Weeds Officer, Peter McGrath said Prickly Pear poses 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.”
Residents are urged to exercise caution while the weed spraying operations are underway. It is advised to avoid contact with Prickly Pear plants and adhere to any safety instructions provided during the eradication process.
