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 typesContinue reading
The Shire has updated itsWeeds Strategy for natural bushland reserves within the Shire of Denmark.
The Shire of Denmark Bushland Reserves Weeds Strategy (2024-2034) has been adopted unanimously by Council at the July OCM.
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 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 to develop of a revised updated Weeds Strategy (‘Strategy’) document. The updated Strategy provides 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 involved on-ground reserve assessments (including mapping) for each of the 40 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 provides 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 encompass operational requirements envisaged over a ten year timeframe, as well as provide for opportunities for community involvement and environmental education.
The Strategy also includes the following:
Legislation and policy relating to invasive weed management is 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 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 is outlined in the appendices.
Additionally, a review of the Shire’s Pest Plant Schedule has beenundertaken 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
Community consultation in the review involved participation in any or all of the following:
Community Information Forum - held Monday 28th August
Stakeholder engagement sessions
Community Workshop on Draft Strategy - held Monday 22nd April
In writing to Shire of Denmark PO Box 183 Denmark WA 6333 or in person 953 South Coast Hwy Denmark
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. The Weeds Strategy Community Briefing was held on Monday 22nd April to help participants develop an understanding of why the Strategy is important for all of us. Participants were able to hear results from on-ground ecological assessments of 40 Shire bushland reserves as well as learned key ways to manage weeds and what the Shire and community can do together to help.
Background information is collated, a literature review undertaken and initial desktop reserve mapping conducted to provide an overview of the reserves to be assessed for bushland condition and weed mapping.
Community Engagement Strategy
Weeds Strategy Review has finished this stage
Community Engagement Strategy is developed with identification of stakeholders to ensure effective and comprehensive community consultation and key targeted stakeholder engagement is undertaken throughout the development of the project.
Community Information Forum
Weeds Strategy Review has finished this stage
Community information forum is to be held to identify values and threats and to gain local knowledge and input into the reserves.
Reserve Field Assessments
Weeds Strategy Review has finished this stage
Reserve field assessments are to be conducted on each of the 36 identified reserves to obtain a better understanding of the values (including bushland condition) that may be at risk of adverse impacts from threats (with particular regard to invasive weed species) identified within each area.
Draft Weed Strategy - out for Public Comment
Weeds Strategy Review has finished this stage
Draft Weeds Strategy out for Public Comment. Public comment period 15th April - 6th May.
Draft Final Weeds Strategy presented to Council
Weeds Strategy Review has finished this stage
Draft Final Weeds Strategy, with incorporated amendments from the public, to be presented to Council for endorsement.
Weeds Strategy - available to public
Weeds Strategy Review is currently at this stage
Final Weeds Strategy, incorporating any final edits from Council, made available to public via Shire website.
Shire of Denmark Bushland Reserves Weeds Strategy 2024-2034 (33.5 MB) (pdf)