The Shire is updating its Weeds Strategy for natural bushland reserves within the Shire of Denmark.
*** Public Comment on Draft Shire of Denmark Weeds Strategy open Monday 15th April - Monday 6th May ***
The Shire of Denmark draft Weeds Strategy (2024-2034) is now available for public comment.
Hard copies of the Draft Weeds Strategy and associated Reserve ecological assessment maps can be found at the Shire of Denmark front counter, or at the Denmark Environment Centre 35 Strickland St. Denmark
Contribute to the Public Comment Period (15 April - 6 May 2024):
The Shire is updating its Weeds Strategy for natural bushland reserves within the Shire of Denmark.
*** Public Comment on Draft Shire of Denmark Weeds Strategy open Monday 15th April - Monday 6th May ***
The Shire of Denmark draft Weeds Strategy (2024-2034) is now available for public comment.
Hard copies of the Draft Weeds Strategy and associated Reserve ecological assessment maps can be found at the Shire of Denmark front counter, or at the Denmark Environment Centre 35 Strickland St. Denmark
Contribute to the Public Comment Period (15 April - 6 May 2024):
- Online via the online Feedback Portal below (scroll to bottom of your screen)
- Email via enquiries@denmark.wa.gov.au
- In writing to Shire of Denmark PO Box 183 Denmark WA 6333 or in person 953 South Coast Hwy Denmark
- Attend the Community Briefing, details provided below.
Come along to the Shire of Denmark Weeds Strategy (2024-2034) Community Briefing. Gain an understanding of why the Strategy is important for all of us. Hear results from on-ground ecological assessments of 40 Shire bushland reserves. Learn key ways to manage weeds and what the Shire and community can do together to help.
DATE: Monday 22nd April
TIME: 5-7pm
VENUE: Denmark Environment Centre, Unit 4, 33-35 Strickland Street, Denmark WA 6333
Registration to RSVP at: https://events.humanitix.com/denmark-draft-weed-management-strategy-community-briefing
Background to the Strategy
In recent years there has been a growing awareness that the ‘natural world’ is something precious, to be respected and valued. Denmark is fortunate in having areas of bushland set throughout the Shire which represent many diverse vegetation types. These reserves are under increasing pressure from increased visitation bringing with it the risk of spread of invasive weed species. Weeds have major economic, environmental and social impacts, causing damage to natural landscapes, agricultural land, waterways and coastal areas.
The Shire has engaged local not-for-profit consultant Green Skills in collaboration with South Coast Bushcare Services to deliver a review of the existing Shire of Denmark Weeds Strategy and Action Plan (2005-2010) and development of a revised updated Weeds Strategy (‘Strategy’) document. The updated Strategy will provide information pertaining to the Shire’s bushland, foreshore and coastal reserves; including information on values and threats in particular regard to bushland condition and invasive weed species. The Strategy will involve reserve assessments (including mapping) for each of the 36 x identified reserves to obtain a better understanding of the values that may be at risk of adverse impacts from threats with particular regard to invasive weed species identified within each area.
The revised Strategy will provide prioritised recommendations within each reserve, taking into consideration potential threat to identified values from invasive weed species - in accordance with resource capacity whilst ensuring continued community access and environmental protection. Recommendations will encompass operational requirements envisaged over a ten year timeframe, as well as provide for opportunities for community involvement and environmental education.
The Strategy will also include the following:
- Legislation and policy relating to invasive weed management will be made reference to within the Strategy in relation to legal obligations under federal, state and local government tiers, along with general principles of weed management.
- A comprehensive invasive weed species list of regionally known invasive weeds is planned to be included as an appendix with categorisation according to whether they are considered a weed of national significance (WONS), declared agricultural weed, environmental weed, or listed locally on the Shire’s Pest Plant schedule.
- Weed control management considering multi-modal approaches, specific to targeted weed species and environmentally sensitive areas will also be outlined in the appendices.
- Additionally, a review of the Shire’s Pest Plant Schedule will be undertaken with provision of a report providing recommendations as to amendments to invasive weed species listed on the Schedule in consideration of current weed status and risk.
Community Consultation
You can get involved in the review by participating in any or all of the following:
- Community Information Forum - held Monday 28th August
- Stakeholder engagement sessions
- Community Workshop on Draft Strategy - to be held Monday 22nd April
- Public Comment or click on the feedback link below
The Weeds Strategy Review Community Information Session was held on Monday 28th August with positive participation and attendance and valuable input and feedback provided by key community members and key affiliate community organisations.
