Living Here
Learn more about Giant Rat’s Tail Grass at Research Trial Field Day
Only one opportunity remains for landholders interested in participating in a Giant Rat’s Tail Grass Research Trial Field Day, hosted by Council together with Biosecurity Queensland.
The Research Trial Field Day will be held on Thursday, 4 March from 9am-11.30am at Mount Tom, with the address provided upon RSVP.
Participants will hear from Wayne Vogler, who is the principal scientist on Giant Rat’s Tail (GRT) at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Topics covered will include GRT ecology and a GRT management research update, plus a trial plot inspection regarding a combination of controls including Taskforce applications, use of fire and pasture management. The upcoming Field Day is the final chance for landholders to see the trail in action.
Gladstone Region Deputy Mayor Kahn Goodluck, who sits on the Management Committee of Capricorn Pest Management Group alongside Councillor Chris Cameron, said Giant Rat’s Tail is an invasive grass that can reduce pasture productivity, out-compete desirable pasture grasses and cause significant degradation of natural areas.
“When matured they are difficult to control and can quickly overrun a pasture,” Cr Goodluck said.
“They are also unpalatable to cattle and can affect their health and productivity.
“Seeds from Giant Rat’s Tail grass can spread very quickly, mainly via livestock movements, but they can also stick onto vehicles and machinery which can accelerate its spread.
“Everyone has an obligation to minimise the risks of transporting, growing or spreading Giant Rat’s Tail grass, so by raising awareness and educating people on how to slow the spread, we can greatly improve our pastoral areas.”
DETAILS
When: Thursday, 4 March 2021 Time: 9am-11.30am
Where: Mount Tom – address provided upon RSVP
RSVP: 1 March 2021 – Contact Council on 4970 0700.
Bottled water and pre-packaged snacks will be provided. Please wear sun safe clothes, a hat and closed in shoes or boots. This is a field day and participants should expect moderate walking. You may want to bring your own chair as they will not be provided.
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