Mr Dunn has continued his mission of picking the weed from roadsides and even approaching landowners to see if he can help them clear the weed from their paddocks.

In possible good news for the long term, research has begun on a biological control in the form of the South African flea beetle that one day could be introduced here to control the weed.

But in the meantime, he is hopeful landowners can continue to tackle the weed by hand, assisted by herbicides and even sheep. 

One area that he is paying attention to is at the Tilba end of the Old Highway where it approaches Corunna Lake where paddocks are thick with the yellow-flowered weed.

“There is a fairly extensive outbreak just starting to build up, but prompt attention would see it brought under control,” Mr Dunn said.

He has now made contact with the owner of one particular paddock, who has agreed to let him onto the property to pick the weed.

His main message is for landowners not to give up and to contact himself and the landcare group who could assist with picking and even give advice on spraying and other control methods such as using sheep. Eurobodalla Council’s weed officer was also available for advice. 

He said he would hate to see the local Tilba and south Narooma area become like paddocks down at Bega and on either side of the Cooma road that were now so infested that they resembled fields of yellow canola. 

“The real worry is that  even with the knowledge, and thanks to the efforts of  Noel Watson and his supporting group and the research funding recently made available, by the Federal government on an ongoing basis, Fireweed is currently not under control at all,” Mr Dunn said.

“It is spreading rapidly. It has the real potential to enter our food chain and may have a deleterious effect on health; and the long-term benefits of the Australian population our export trade and prosperity.

“While there is great hopes that a fireweed eating flea beetle has been found  in South Africa, with Australian trials anticipated for five years time, there is a need to redouble our efforts in the picking, mowing, sheep grazing and trying to limit the spread of seed arising from the flowering plants as a matter of urgency.”

Tilba Landcare ready to tackle fireweed

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