Cactus Quarterly - Summer edition

SUMMER 2024

cactus Quarterly

NSW

NORTH WEST REGION

FOR ALL YOUR UP-TO-DATE CACTUS NEWS, EVENTS AND INFORMATION

Photo: Harrisia Cactus flower Debi Bancroft

Mealybug New release sites in Boggabilla, NSW.

Harrisia Cactus Detected within Dthina Dthinnawan Nature Reserve.

Biocontrol A safe solution for weed control.

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STAY VIGILANT FOR CACTUS AFTER FIRE SEASON!

How invasive is your cactus?

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NEW FACES Appointment of new Regional Weed Coordinator - North West Local Land Services Agency Hugh Leckie has filled the position of North West Local Land Services regional weed coordinator.

Hugh tells us - “I have worked for local government for 26.5 years, starting at The Hills Shire Council (Castle Hill, NSW) before moving to Tamworth and starting with Tamworth Regional Council nearly 12 years ago. My background is horticulture and arboriculture along with project management.

Harrisia Cactus (Harrisia martinii) is marching into Baan Baa Harrisia cactus was first discovered in Baan Baa NSW, in October 2018 while spraying Yarranabee Road southwest of the township for Mother of Millions by Narrabri Shire staff.

Another incursion was then found along the Baan Baa Road by a road maintenance crew member after attending a workshop on Cacti species by Narrabri Shire’s Biosecurity officer.

“Having a horticultural background, I have always been interested in weeds, knowing how hard they can be to control/manage.

I have a small farm which is 96 acres in size located at Dungowan. Having the farm has meant that I have had to deal with weeds.

“Knowing that weeds come in all shapes and sizes along with being toxic to livestock, I have always wanted to know what other weeds are out there and what is being done to control them.”

the main incursion site, which has caused major concern for the possibility of larger incursion within the area. At the same time Harrisia has jumped the containment line of Tullamullen Creek with 3 more plants found.

Inspection letters were sent out to the residents of Baan Baa, including landholders that surround the main incursion area and Baan Baa Hill. After these letters were received a local reported another sighting which led to a new incursion of Rope Pear (Cylindropuntia imbricata), and another Harrisia being found, in the Narrabri Shire’s old garbage refuse area, which is at the base of the Baan Baa Hill.

Baan Baa Hill has been inspected by vehicle, but a further inspection will be needed and a possible drone fly over.

Inspections of the Pilliga Forest/National Park will take place within the next couple of months. Authorities are concerned that there is a much bigger incursion within the landscape that has been undetected.

Photo: Aaron Cross, Narrabri Shire Council, with Harrisia Baan Baa, NSW. Photo credit: Clare Felton-Taylor

The weeds team then carried out inspections around the latest infestations and found it growing in adjoining properties, the surrounding travelling stock route and within the rail corridors.

Hugh Leckie Regional Weed Coordinator North West | Local Land Services Agency Local Land Services M Currently unavailable E hugh.leckie@lls.nsw.gov.au lls.nsw.gov.au

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In 2018/2019 Council staff carried out property inspections over a large cross section upstream from the original site.

During these inspections Harrisia was only located on two properties, south of the original incursions on Yarranabee Road.

Harrisia was also found on properties north/northeast of here in the Tullamullen overflow area.

Clare Felton-Taylor with Rope Pear incursion, Baan Baa, NSW. Photo credit: Debi Bancroft

Since 2019 yearly inspections are carried out, there is a group of properties that are re-inspected at least 2-3 times per year with any new plants found sprayed, recorded, and monitored.

Clare Felton-Taylor, Narrabri Shire’s Biosecurity Coordinator says that “We do not want Harrisia in the Pilliga or the Namoi River”.

In October 2023 a new incursion was found along Curracabah Road directly east from

Article by Clare Felton-Taylor, Narrabiri Shire Council.

After more than 50 years, Quanda contains its invasive Hudson pear cactus weed infestation.

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PRIORITY CACTI NEAR YOU! Have you visited the Department of Primary Industries WeedWise site lately?

You can now view priority weeds and where incursions are. Check out what weeds are popping up in your area and what you should be looking out for in your backyard, paddock, or mining claim.

It’s also a great way to help identify that “strange looking’’ plant that you’ve never seen before or if you just can’t seem to control that re-occurring weed.

WeedWise has a list of control options and methods that might just do the job.

It also has a new feature that allows users to search for known incursions on a map.

The Hudson Pear Taskforce conducted a walk-through of the site at Quanda, with volunteers spraying lingering shoots. Photo credit: (ABC: Emily Middleton)

After more than 50 years, Quanda contains its invasive Hudson pear cactus weed infestation.

Earlier this month, chemical handspraying was conducted at Quanda’s original detection site for the first time.

Local groups and individuals tried separately to contain the Quanda outbreak site until 2015, when the Hudson Pear Taskforce was formed as a united front.

“It’s certainly one way that you can get a thorough look at the land and see if there’s any plants that have escaped the naked eye,” Ms Lawler said.

“The site has been contained to 28 hectares,” said Jodie Lawler, regional weeds coordinator for Central West Local Land Services.

“Especially if you’re just one person doing an inspection, you can become Hudson pear blind.”

“In the last four years, we’ve moved ahead in leaps and bounds,” Ms Lawler said.

“And Crown Land has now put a track through the site so it’s more accessible, so we can get in there and spray it.

First detected in Lightning Ridge in the 1960s and found in Quanda soon after, Hudson pear is believed to have spread from a local cactus nursery.

Spreading along roadsides and onto properties, it has recently been threatening to enter the Warrumbungle National Park.

Taskforce to contain species Senior biosecurity officer for Castlereagh Macquarie County Council, Andy Fletcher Dawson, said while containment was a significant step, the work of the Hudson Pear Taskforce was not complete.

You can also download the WeedWise app. Users experience different functions within the app depending on whether they are landholders, residents or weeds professionals.

Landholders and residents can enter the contact details of their local council weeds officer, and then directly report sightings of state priority weeds via email.

Weeds professionals can share information about a weed with clients via email, including a weed’s profile, bio-security duties, control advice and herbicide options.

NSW WeedWise includes the content contained in the NSW Weed Control Handbook, a free, publication from NSW Department of Primary Industries. Visit WeedWise for more information.

“We want to keep it contained and hopefully down the track, see close to eradication,” Mr Fletcher Dawson said. “It just means we have to keep on it.”

Article by Emily Middleton and Odine Slack-Smith ABC Western Plains

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Harrisia Cactus Mealybug:

New release sites

COME CLEAN GO CLEAN

NSW DPI’s Grafton Primary Industries in conjunction with Northern Slopes Landcare Association and Moree Plains Shire Council have begun a series of new Harrisia cactus Mealybug Hypogeococcus pungens releases at Boggabilla NSW. The mealybug released were raised at the DPI’s Grafton mass rearing facility. This project is jointly funded by the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (through the Weed Action Program) and the Australian Government.

It is envisaged that other sites will be chosen for release early February. These new sites will help to measure the impact of the mealybug in different locations other than the Twin Rivers established trial site.

NSW DPI researchers will continue to rear, release, and monitor the Harrisia mealybug over the next few years, thanks to the State and Federal funding that continues to support this important work.

With the summer holiday season in full swing, and time for bush camping don’t let invasive cactus become an unwanted holiday hitchhiker!

Invasive non-native cactus species spread easily and rapidly through the landscape. They are costly to manage and seriously destroy farmland and biodiversity.

They have the potential to not only harm travelers, but also their pet travelling companions. They also displace native flora and cause injury and sometimes death to native animals.

If you have an infestation of Harrisia Cactus and would like to participate in a biocontrol research project or if you have any other enquiries please contact Debi Bancroft, Harrisia Cactus Project Officer Northern Slopes Landcare Association. cacti@nsla.net.au

Invasive cactus has been found on tires and shoes kilometres from where they first attached, aiding their spread across the landscape.

Please always check your boots, tyres and under all your vehicles for any unwanted hitchhikers!

Photo credit: Australian Broadcasting Corporation

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HUDSON PEAR? Visit the Northern Slopes Landcare Association webiste for a range of resources including an extensive video library that explains what it is, how to control it with cochineal, collecting cladodes, GPS mapping and much more.

www.northernslopeslandcare.com.au

Photo: New trial, Boggabilla, NSW. Travelling Stock Route predominantly Mitchell Grass with Belah. Photo credit: Debi Bancroft

How invasive is your cactus?

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Stay vigilant PRIORITY CACTI NEAR YOU! after fires Unfortunately, bushfires are a way of life in Australia. And luckily some areas such as the Cumborah area of NSW has had substantial rain after the fires.

With this rain, paddocks are now covered in lush green grasses and thick ground covers. But cactus as with all invasive weeds are reappearing. Weeds are highly successful in recovering after fires and rain, they thrive in disturbed ground.

Now is the perfect time to stay vigilant.

Start patrolling your roadsides, tracks, fence lines and boundaries armed with the necessary equipment to control and contain weeds.

If you’re not too sure which cacti or weed species you have found contact your Regional Weeds officer, details on page 16.

Caption: Flowers have numerous, long, yellow-tipped orange stamens and a prominent white style in the middle. Photo credit: Terry Hewitt, Holly Gate Cactus Garden Centre, UK.

LEAF CACTUS (Pereskia aculeata) This plant is on the National Environmental Alert List. This plant should not be sold in parts of NSW Also known as Satan plant or Barbados gooseberry, it is native to the West Indies, Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil, and Argentina and was thought to have been introduced to Australia in the 1920’s as an ornamental garden plant.

Above: Burnt Hudson Pear (Cylindropuntia pallida) after the fire at Cumborah, NSW. November 2023. With green claddodes still on plant, These claddodes are obviously still alive. Photo credit: T. Pallister.

Above: Hudson Pear after Naran Lakes Fire.

Photo credit: T Pallister

How does this weed affect you?

Leaf cactus is a very spiny plant that forms large impenetrable clumps. It can: • smother and kill other plants • collapse trees under its weight • restrict access to land and waterways • reduce soil stability by killing native vegetation, especially along riverbanks • injure people, livestock, pets, and native animals • reduces habitat to native animals • Threatens eucalyptus woodlands and could also severely impact timber plantations.

What does it look like?

Leaf cactus is a shiny, perennial climbing shrub that attaches itself to other plants and tangles around trees like a vine. It can reach up to 12m into the canopy.

Leaves are: • green on top and sometimes purplish underneath • up to11 cm long and 5cm wide • oval or oblong with pointed tips • waxy and slightly succulent • on short stalks 3-6mm long • the leaves will fall off if in very dry conditions or after cold

Flowers are: • white or pale yellow, sometimes aging to pink • up to 5.5 cm wide • fragrantly scented • usually grouped together in brunches • present in summer and autumn.

Fruit are: • green ripening to yellow • 2.5 – 4.5 cm wide • round and surrounded by leafy sepels • edible, usually containing only one seed.

Seeds are: • brown or black • up to 5mm wide.

There are two types of spines: • long slender spines 1-5 cm long in clusters along trunk • short curved spines 3-5 mm long, in pairs along the branches.

How does it spread?

• Leaf cactus has been planted intentionally as an ornamental plant. Plants produce viable seeds after 2 to 3 years. Birds spread the seeds in their droppings. Leaf cactus can regrow from broken branches, cuttings, and leaves.

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NEW BIOCONTROL PRODUCTION CAPACITY UPGRADES FOR GRAFTON PRIMARY INDUSTRIES INSTITUTE The DPI Grafton Primary Industries Institute (GPII) Biocontrol Mass-Rearing Facility (BCMRF) has undergone a significant redevelopment.

This will mean more agents can be cultured each year from the existing suite, and new agents can be added to those already available for release against a wide range of widespread and difficult to control weed species.

Funding from the State Government has resulted in a brand new two room glasshouse with full climate control (Figure 1). The new glasshouse can both heat and cool the internal environment in a way that minimises running costs. This means the growing season of both the plants and their agents can be extended which enables greater production capacity with more numbers of insects available for release.

In addition to the new glasshouse, two old glasshouses have undergone refurbishment. These glasshouses have new fans and wet walls both of which are used for cooling during the hot humid summers experienced at Grafton. These glasshouses also have new shade cloth, electrical fittings, and lighting.

The facilities for aquatic weed biocontrol agent culture have also had a significant upgrade, with a large increase in capacity from three 9000 L ponds to 24 (Figure). Twenty of those ponds have water heating capacity that has already meant salvinia weevils are being produced in larger numbers earlier in the season than was possible previously. The increase in productive water volume has also meant we have expanded the size of wastewater collection and safe removal.

An extension and insulation of the existing potting shed have improved the inside and covered work areas available for the mass-rearing facility technical staff to pot up new plants. Along with storage and work areas, staff have improved microscopic insect examination capabilities and internet access.

Figure 2: New aquatic weed biocontrol agent culturing facilities for rearing insects for salvinia and water hyacinth. The open sided roofed structure (top and centre of photo) houses three water heating units that extend the growing season for both the weed and agents feeding on them. Each pond has aeration, reticulation, and nutrient addition capacity in a safety fenced work area (photo credit Nathan Pugh).

As with all new facilities there will be an ongoing learning process to optimise the culturing methodologies for all agents, both existing and new, as they become available and are prioritised for release across NSW. Grafton is the state weed biocontrol agent mass-rearing facility for NSW and complements the research end of the pipeline for testing and evaluating new agents at the state quarantine facility in Orange.

The monitoring and evaluation of agents that have been reared and released from the GPII facility is supported by the Australian government through a Federation Funding Agreement (‘Supporting Communities Manage Pest Animals and Weeds Program - FFA Tranche 2’), the NSW government and the NSW Weed Biocontrol Taskforce.

Article by: David Officer, Research Officer (Weed Biocontrol), Executive Officer (NSW Weed Biocontrol Taskforce). For NSW Weed Biocontrol Taskforce Newsletter Spring/Summer 2023.

Figure 1: The new fully climate-controlled glasshouse. There are two rooms, with each having independent lighting, roof shutters, internal retractable shade cloth, humidity control, heating, and air-conditioning with both local and remote-control capacity (photo credit Nathan Pugh).

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CACTUS OF THE INVERELL SHIRE The expansive boundaries of the Inverell Shire include several important Threatened Ecological Communities including Brigalow, Natural Basalt Grassland, Weeping Myall Woodlands and Fine Textured Alluvial Plains and unfortunately these areas suit a variety of invasive cactus.

Tiger Pear (Opuntia aurantiaca) is present predominately in the north of the LGA but not in the abundance of years ago. The drought conditions experienced on and off over the last 20 years along with the assistance of the cochineal insect Dactylopius austrinus has kept this plant in check.

Inverell Shire Council Local Government Area has five species of pest cacti. These are predominately located in the North and North West of the LGA.

Rope Pear (Cylindropuntia imbricate) is located in isolated sites within the Shire and once again the cochineal is present and seems to be keeping the cactus under control.

Harrisia cactus ( Harrisia martinii) is identified as a regional priority weed under the Northern Tablelands Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan. There has been a number of control programs targeting the plant over the years. These programs have reduced the impact of this cactus in this area, however it continues to be a problem in wooded areas.

Common prickly pear, of course the Shire has its fair share, not abundant but present.

For further information in the Inverell Shire area contact Geoffrey Riley at geoffery.riley@inverell.nsw.gov.au

A containment line was established to stop the potential spread of this plant to the South and East.

Surveillance is regularly completed outside this containment line. At this point in time no new incursions have been detected except a few isolated sites on properties and within the Dthinna Dthinnawan National Park area.

Photo: Harrisia Cactus, Yetman. Photo credit: Debi Bancroft

Photo: Map of the Harrisia Cactus containment area.

Inverell Shire Council were successful in receiving funding from Northern Table Lands Local Land Services to undertake a Harrisia Cactus project aimed at mapping the current infestations and to facilitate a 50/50 cost share control program with affected landholders.

Council has also been working with the Department of Primary Industries Grafton Research Team who have introduced the mealy bug (Hypogeococcus pungens formerly H. festerianus ) as a Biocontrol Agent in four identified locations.

Velvety Tree Pear (Opuntia tomentosa) is becoming more evident in the northern landscape of the LGA. Ideal conditions have seen an increase in seedlings. The cochineal insect (Dactylopius opuntiae) is present in most communities, however due to the increase in plant numbers they are having little effect on the current population.

Photo: Harrisia Cactus with Mealybug. Photo credit: Northern Slopes Landcare Association.

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Biocontrol as a safe solution

Biocontrol aims to reduce a weed population to a level where it no longer creates a problem. It is a long- term commitment.

Biocontrol agents are selected on the host specificity to the target weed. (i.e., only impact the intended target weed) and as a result, are limited by the presence of the weed.

Biocontrol agents undergo the strictest testing through the safeguard of Australia’s Biosecurity Act 2015 to ensure that they only attack the target weed before being released into the environment.

To meet the requirements of the Act and Australia’s Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, biocontrol agents must be subject to risk analysis to determine their approval for release in Australia.

As part of the risk analysis, potential agents undergo strict host-specificity testing in quarantine conditions before consideration of their suitability for release.

Several steps are required before biocontrol agents are released into the environment. First, the weed species proposed for biocontrol research must be endorsed through a national committee called the Environment and Invasives Committee.

revised periodically on the Department of Agriculture website (DAWE 2020).

Before approval is given, the risk analysis needs to show that the agent will not damage native flora or agriculture stock or crops.

Later, for any agent to be approved for release, each must demonstrate a very low or negligible risk to the environment via risk analysis undertaken by the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment in accordance with both Commonwealth Acts.

The analysis is extensive and includes information pertaining to host-specificity testing results, ensuring the proposed agent is specific to target, as well as information gleaned from wide consultation with technical, scientific expert and interested stakeholders.

Photo: Harrisia Cactus (Harrisia martinii) with mealybug (Hypogeococcus pungens) damage at Yelarbon, QLD. Photo credit: Debi Bancroft

The processes and information requirements for importation, testing and approval of biocontrol agents of plants and invertebrates are set out in the Biosecurity Guidelines for the introduction of the Biosecurity Guidelines for the introduction of Exotic Biological Control Agents for the Control of Weeds and Plants Pest and

Vist the DPI website to download a copy of the Biocontrol of weeds manual.

JOIN THE WEED SOCIETY OF NSW

and get all the benefits!

JOIN NOW!

www.wsnsw.net.au

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Detection of Harrisia Cactus (Harrisia martini) within Dthinna Dthinnawan Nature Reserve.

NSW National Park & Wildlife Service Northern Inland Branch NIB staff are working to develop a methodology for using drones to identify infestations (presence/ absence) & percentage of cover (classes) of Harrisia Cactus (Harrisia martinii).

The project area is Dthinna Dthinnawan National Park (NP) & Nature Reserve (NR), with lessons learnt to be applied to other weed species in future programs.

of high conservation significance. It protects Homorantus bebo a critically endangered shrub only known to occur within the reserve.

“Within the project to date the drone has looked at the facilitation of detection, monitoring, and was used to guide management activities through weed detection. The drone survey was supported by field verification, but this timely action was greatly reduced” said Michael Mulholland NIB Pest Officer.

Photo: Testing the capacity of the drone to detect Harrisia Cactus (Harrisia martini) at the base of trees. Photo credit: NPWS Michael Mullholand

Within recent years Dthinna Dthinnawan NR has had Harrisia Cactus limited to a small distribution area of ~16Ha. Ongoing works have been completed to treat the area and now the focus of NPWS staff will be monitoring to detect the early stages of colonisation or perimeter spread.

Photo: NPWS Pilot James Faris using the drone to survey a roadside area (off Park) where fruiting plants are being photographed at different heights to determine detection capacity. Photo credit:L MPWS Michael Mullholland

The use of the drone has increased management efficiency, while decreasing program costs through the reduction in manual searching large areas with a low density or absence of Harrisia Cactus.

“The critical component of any weed management program is to find the location and extent of the weed; this is no different for Harrisia Cactus, the advantage of using the drone is when Harrisia Cactus in fruit it is believed detection will be a lot higher” said Michael Mulholland NIB Pest Officer.

This project will contribute to the Weed Remote Sensing Community of Practice, with the intent of adding to the body of knowledge around drone use in weed detection.

“The vivid pink fruit is highly visible even on the screen in the field, Photo transects that are collected by the drone, and later processed, will aid to identify new colonisations to target efforts for control” said NPWS drone pilot James Faris.

Dthinna Dthinnawan NP & NR is a very large area 29,617Ha and

Article by Michael Mullholland, NSW National Parks, and Wildlife Service.

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NSW Weed Biocontrol Taskforce

The Taskforce comprise of a voluntary collaboration of members from a number of like-minded agencies responsible for managing weeds.

The role of the Taskforce includes obtaining and facilitating commitment and investment, mass-rearing and establishment of agents, monitoring, training, prioritising agents for action in NSW, and communication of research progress. Bi-annual meetings involve updates, training, field visits and demonstrations.

A key deliverable under the NSW Invasive Species Plan is to “Maintain and expand the NSW weed biocontrol taskforce”. To achieve this, a shared investment model is being implemented in NSW. The Taskforce originally provided a coordinated approach to promote biocontrol, secure resources to mass rear agents, and provide establishment and monitoring in the field, but was limited geographically and financially.

To build capacity across the state the Taskforce is now funding and promoting biocontrol research alongside rearing, release, and monitoring programs (implementation activities) through a shared investment commitment.

This model has enabled the setting of priorities and pooling of support and funding, linking local, state, and national collaborators, including local government, Local Land Services (LLS), NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), Department of Planning, Industry & Environment (DPIE) including NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service – NSW NPWS) to national experts and funding agencies.

The model is proving highly successful and is laying the ground-work for further coinvestment in a coordinated, collaborative effort.

For further information contact: Industries Weed Research Unit PMB 2 Grafton NSW 2460 T: 02 6640 1600 E: weed.biocontrol@dpi.nsw.gov.au

How invasive is your cactus?

Why invest in the Taskforce

Joining the Taskforce and participating in the shared investment commitment provides investors with: An integrated and sustainable management strategy — With the number of herbicideresistant weed species on the rise, you will be aligning your organisation with the attributes of this environmentally friendly and self-sustaining technology.Including biocontrol in an IWM program, reduces overall herbicide use, helping alleviate future impacts of herbicide resistance.

Improved economic return in weed management — Biocontrol is the most cost-effective solution for landscape-scale management of many weeds, with historical benefits outweighing costs on average.

Increased access to biocontrol agents and training — You will have access to agents and up-to-date technical information and training.

Access to knowledge — The Taskforce offers a wealth of knowledge to help communicate and take action on widespread weeds.

Assurance you are partnering with Australia’s most respected research practitioners in weed biological control — Establish your organisation as a key partner involved in innovative weed management practices.

A greater chance of success — By leveraging future investment and strengthening community engagement, greater on-the-ground impact can be achieved.

Certificate of contribution — Investors will receive formal recognition of membership.

Improved collaboration, sharing of knowledge and information — As a Taskforce partner you can communicate face-to-face with other partners, and build and maintain networks within the community.

A boost in patronage — The community will see benefits of the partnership, and will be encouraged to provide support.

Improved standing and profile within the community — Your organisation will benefit from public recognition for taking a proactive approach to weed management.

Intellectual contribution to programs and priorities* - Members of the Taskforce are actively involved in the decision-making process regarding planning and prioritisation of programs.

Opportunities for collaboration — Taskforce partners have the potential to collaborate in research trials and hold workshops within regions of interest.

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NSW Weed Biocontrol Taskforce A shared investment commitment to fund weed biological control research and on-ground operations

Biocontrol of weeds — an overview

Salvinia weevil (Cyrtobagous salviniae)

•

Herbicide resistance is a major impediment to agricultural productivity and sustainability.

• •

Biocontrol uses natural enemies (e.g. pests and diseases) to manage weeds.

•

Biocontrol is a cost-effective, self-sustaining management technology.

Biocontrol forms an integral part of a successful integrated weed management (IWM) strategy.

Madeira beetle (Plectonycha correntina)

Benefits of Taskforce membership Cost-effective access to biocontrol agents and training.

Collaboration with renowned weed biological control experts.

Access to information and networking opportunities.

Formal recognition – certificate of membership.

Jewel beetle (Hedgwigiella jureceki)

Improved standing and profile within the community.

Greater weed management impact.

Maximise investment leveraging potential.

FURTHER INFORMATION: NSW Weed Biocontrol Taskforce NSW Department of Primary Industries Weed Research Unit, PRM 2, Grafton NSW 2460

Hudson pear cochineal (Dactylopius tomentosus ‘californica var. parkeri’ lineage)

P: 02 6640 1600 E: weed.biocontrol@dpi.nsw.gov.au

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Cactus case study - Hudson Pear

How invasive is your cactus?

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Cactus case study - Hudson Pear

How invasive is your cactus?

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Resources to download

Hardcopies are available from Northern Slopes Landcare Bingara cacti@nsla.net.au Hudson pear (Cylindropuntia pallida) Playlist Check out our videos at Northern Slopes Landcare The playlist includes videos on:

Visit: northernslopeslandcare.com.au/cacti/cacti-news-media/ cactus-news

• what is Hudson pear • what cochineal look like; • where to collect cochineal; • how to collect, transport and collect cladodes; • how to release cochineal and • further integrated control option.

They are also available on a handy, credit card sized data stick, available at various locations around Lightning Ridge, Grawin and Cumborah or email weeds@dpi.nsw.gov.au

How invasive is your cactus?

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Resources to download

Hardcopies are available from Northern Slopes Landcare or download a copy How invasive is your cactus?

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Key Contacts North West Regional Weeds Officers Gunnedah Shire Council

Liverpool Plains Shire Council

Narrabri Shire Council

Senior Weeds Officer Lee Amidy - 0427 254 188 Neil Woboys - 0436 950 781

Authorised Officer - Weeds Mike Whitney - 0427 961 980

Bio-security Coordinator Clare Felton-Taylor - 0427 294 771

Address 60 Station Street Quirindi NSW 2343 Postal Address PO Box 152 Quirindi NSW 2343

Bio-security Officer - Weeds Aaron Cross - 0429 202 205

Address 63 Elgin Street Gunnedah NSW 2380 Postal Address PO Box 63 Gunnedah NSW 2380 Phone - 02 6740 2100 Email - council@infogunnedah.com.au

Phone - 02 6746 1755 Email - lpsc@lpsc.nsw.gov.au

Address 46-48 Maitland Street Narrabri NSW 2390 Postal Address PO Box 261 Narrabri NSW 2390 Phone - 02 6799 6866 Email - council@narrabri.nsw.gov.au

Gwydir Shire Council

Moree Plains Shire Council

Tamworth Regional Council

Weeds Officer Warialda Currently recruiting

Bio-security Officer Lachlan Biddle - 0408 204 577

Senior Weeds Officer Mal Stein - 0429 821 579

Weeds Officer Bingara Scott Revell - 0476 490 026

Address Level 2, Max Centre 30 Heber Street Moree NSW 2400 Postal Address PO Box 420 Moree NSW 2400

Weeds Officer Robert Burr - 0419 271 593

Bingara Office 33 Maitland Street Bingara NSW 2404 Warialda Office 52 Hope Street Warialda NSW 2402 Phone - 02 6724 2000 Email - mail@gwydir.nsw.gov.au

Castlereagh Macquarie County Council Senior Weeds Officer Andrea Fletcher-Dawson - 0428 462 060 Weeds Officer Mat Savage - 0427 253 463 Address 77 Fox Street Walgett NSW 2832 Postal Address PO Box 31 Walgett NSW 2832 Phone - 02 6828 6100 Email - admin@walgett.nsw.gov.au

How invasive is your cactus?

Phone - 02 6757 3222 Email - council@mpsc.nsw.gov.au

Address Ray Walsh House 437 Peel Street Tamworth NSW 2340 Postal Address PO Box 555 Tamworth NSW 2340 Phone - 02 6767 5555 Email - trc@tamworth.nsw.gov.au

Cactus Quarterly Contact

Debi Bancroft Phone - 0438 353 519 Email - cacti@nsla.net.au

Hudson pear control program Bio-security Officer Rachel Turner - 0417 753 170 Hudson Pear Project Officer Todd Pallister - 0457 939 055

Sign up to Cactus Quarterly by scanning the QR code or sign up via our website.

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Further information Websites Atlas of Living Australia Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicinal Authority (APVMA)

NSW Local Land Services Moree Office - 02 6750 9000 Warialda Office - 02 6729 1529

Biological Control DPI

Narrabri Office - 1300 795 299

Department of Primary Industries (DPI)

Tamworth Office - 02 6764 5900

DPI Weeds NSW Biocontrol Weeds Taskforce NSW WeedWise North West Local Land Services (NW LLS)

Walgett Office - 02 6828 6400 Gunnedah Office - 02 6742 9220

Call 1300 795 299 to contact your Local Land Service office from Monday to Friday during business hours Or online at lls.nsw.gov.au/ourregions/ north-west/contact-us

Goondiwindi Office - 0428 432 784

Department of Primary Industries

Weeds Australia PlantNET

Biosecurity Helpline - 1800 680 244

Weed Control and Identification

Primary Industries Weed Biocontrol (Weed Research Unit) weed.biocontrol@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Resources Australian Weed Strategy New South Wales Weed Control Handbook Invasive Cacti Field Guide Identification and control of invasive cacti, North West NSW Opuntiod Cacti Best Practice Control Manual

Vertebrate pest related matters invasive.species@dpi.nsw.gov.au Weeds related matters weeds@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Tell us what you think!

Biological control of weeds

The North West Local Land Services loves getting feedback!

NSW acts & regulations

Scan the QR code or online here

Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016

Invasive Plants and Animals enquiries - 1800 084 881

Cactus Quarterly contact

Bio-security Act 2015 EPA Pesticide Act 1999 EPA Pesticide Regulation 2017 Local Land Services Act 2013

How invasive is your cactus?