The community at Cobar is set to benefit from further weed control works at the ‘Old Res’ following a successful funding application by Western Local Land Services.
The Old Reservoir, which is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering camping, swimming, fishing and other recreational activities, currently has a number of invasive species present, including African Boxthorn, as well as some cactus species, namely Devils Rope and Prickly Pear.
African boxthorn is an aggressive invader of pastures, roadsides, reserves, remnant bushland and waterways. It forms an impenetrable, spiny thicket that inhibits the movement of stock and provides a haven for feral animals.
Many insects, including fruit fly, the common house fly and the tomato fly, breed in the fruit of this weed.
Western Local Land Services has previously carried out weed control works at the Old Reservoir, and Senior Land Services Officer, Brian Dohnt, is pleased the funding will provide an opportunity to extend on previous works.
“African Boxthorn is one of the major weed threats to the semi-arid rangelands of Western NSW,” Mr Dohnt said.
“It is a serious weed threat across Australia and one that needs to be managed at any and all opportunities.
“We’re looking forward to this project commencing and to the positive outcomes that will be forthcoming.”
Funding for this project is through the NSW Department of Industry-Lands & Water 2019-2020 Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, which aims to support Crown Land managers by providing support for repairs and maintenance projects, pest and weed control, new recreational infrastructure and environmental initiatives.
The on-ground works for this project will be carried out where safe and practical under the latest government and health guidelines in relation to COVID-19.
