Weeding on the Fitzroy River

The Gooniyandi and Ngurrara Rangers, and Environs Kimberley, kicked the year off with some hot, sweaty weeding work on the banks of the Fitzroy River.

The Rangers, with the support of EK ecologist Sam Younis, were taking the first step of the Donkey Crossing Strategic Weed Management Plan (2023). Co-designed by the Gooniyandi Rangers and EK, this plan trials a new strategy, using fire paired with chemical methods. The weeds being targeted include herbaceous weeds such as Noogoora Burr, and woody weeds such as Neem.

The goal of this first trip was to reduce the extent of woody-weed species by targeting isolated individuals and small patches, while leaving large patches untreated but contained by our work around them. As time goes on, containment will gradually get easier, and then, given adequate time and resources, it should be possible to tackle the larger patches. The work done fulfilled the practical component of a CERT II & III in Chemical Handling with North Regional TAFE, a qualification the rangers have now attained. The maps below indicate what was done.

Figure 1: We are working within Zone 1, marked in yellow. The green dots indicate woody weeds.

Figure 2: shows the same zone after mapping and control work has been undertaken. The Orange dots indicate the mapped large patches and the crosses indicate the individual and isolated woody weeds that have been controlled.

Figure 3: shows the reduction in the extent of woody weeds.

This is a long-term project, intended to reduce the extent of weeds on the Fitzroy River. It will require multiple return trips to the same location to conduct follow-up control work. It is difficult to control weeds in such high densities. Control work needs to be conducted as strategically as possible. The next step will be to use fire to control the herbaceous species such as Gallon’s Curse and Noogoora Burr and to see if this can be used to reduce their extent.

Gooniyandi and Ngurrara Rangers after working hard in the heat on the banks of the Fitzroy River. L-R Regina Thirkall (Ngurrara) Adina Thirkall (Ngurrara) Halina Chestnut (Gooniyandi) Anthea Malo (Gooniyandi) Nic Duro (Ngurrara) Emanuel James Brown (Gooniyandi) Samuel Younis (EK) Cody Taylor (Gooniyandi) Gerrard Pindan (Ngurrara) Justin Andrews (Ngurrara) Gary Lienert (TAFE). Photo: Kimberley Land Council

This project was funded through the Western Australian Government’s State NRM project and delivered with support from North Regional TAFE. The Gooniyandi Rangers are managed and supported by the Kimberley Land Council.

Written by Samuel Younis