THE POST/SUN, Wednesday, July 17, 2024 - Page 1
monaropost.com.au
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
monaropost.com.au
Your local paper establised in 2006
ISSN 1834-0318
LIFE AS A COUNCILLOR
WIFE CARRYING WORLD TITLE
RIDING TO SUCCESS
PAGE 5
PAGE 9
SPORT
Lovegrass battle
$3.00
Economic boost By NATHAN THOMPSON
LANDHOLDERS WAGE WAR AGAINST MONARO FOE By NATHAN THOMPSON INCREASING awareness and working together to slow the spread of African Lovegrass into the Nimmitabel district were two of the key messages at a recent South East Local Land Services (LLS) field day. Landholders from across the Monaro attended a field day to learn more about the noxious weed and how a united front is needed to limit its spread into properties around Nimmitabel. Nimmitabel grazier Richard Blyton said the field day is an important starting point in ramping up efforts to tackle the invasive weed.
“We need to get people who aren’t in lovegrass areas aware that it is encroaching here in Nimmitabel,” Mr Blyton said. “We have lovegrass here in Nimmity in patches. East of the village is pretty good. Lovegrass is spreading from the Cooma side, and it’s coming towards us. “It is important we work together to give landholders down that way a hand.” The field day, held earlier this month, brought together landholders, community members, South East LLS officers and Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s biosecurity team. South East LLS African
ACTION: Landholders are ready to increase the fight against African Lovegrass in the hope of limiting its spread into the Nimmitabel district. PHOTO: Nathan Thompson
Lovegrass co-ordinator Jane Tracy showed those present how to identify the weed and discussed the obligations landholders have to manage it. Council’s biosecurity manager Brett Jones addressed the gathering and discussed local efforts to deal with the perennial weed. African lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) is a perennial, grassy weed that is native to Southern Africa and now dominates pastures in many parts of the Snowy Monaro, and more broadly across NSW. African lovegrass invades both native and introduced pastures, quickly dominating a pasture if
not actively managed. Tackling lovegrass on the Monaro is a constant challenge for landholders, said Mr Blyton. He said Nimmitabel based landholders need to act now to limit its spread from Cooma. Mr Blyton said the Nimmitabel area risks reduced profitability and increasing its fire danger if the weed continues to spread. “It’s such a dominating plant. At Rock Flat, there are some of the higher infestations,” he said. “This is a community problem and we need to work collectively. “The Monaro grasslands need to be protected from a profitability and fire risk perspective.”
ENHANCING Cooma’s nighttime economy and improving the look of the central business district are driving a local initiative to install tree lights along the main street. The Cooma Chamber of Commerce is working alongside the businesses and Snowy Monaro Regional Council to erect fairy lights in at least eight trees on Sharp Street. The lights are being funded through grants secured by the Chamber and its own funding. Chamber president Sandy Schofield said the Cooma project will encourage more people to stop in town at night and will enhance the visual amenity of the CBD. “The Chamber is working hard with our business community and Council to make town more attractive,” Mrs Schofield said. “The project has been well supported by local business. We have funding to start installing lights on eight trees.” Four trees on the corners of Sharp and Bombala streets, and Sharp and Vale streets will soon be lit up at night. “We want to inject as much economic activity into our town as we can,” Mrs Schofield. “It’s not long until the lights will be switched on. “We are passionate about Cooma and want to encourage visitors to stop.” ■ Read more on page 3
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