Timeframe: February 2025 - February 2027
Funding Source: State NRM
Project Partner: Shire of Jerramungup
Project Coordinator: Tamzin Bowe
Overview: This project addresses the issue of environmental weeds in Bremer Bay, with the aim to protect local high value environmental assets. The project focuses on management of weeds on public land and supporting landholders to manage weeds on private property.
The main target species is Coastal (Victorian) Tea Tree, which has spread from garden planting into natural areas and now occurs along roadsides, in reserves and on private land throughout the region. Other species include Bridal Creeper, Polygala, Boxthorn and Sydney Golden Wattle.
Weed Action Group:
The first year saw the revitalization of the Weed Action Group, an important and necessary component of the project. Throughout the cooler months of 2025 the group met for regular busy bees to tackle infestations of invasive species, mainly Polygala and young Coastal Tea Tree, around town.
Contractor Works:
The Fitzgerald Biosphere Group has been fortunate to work for many years with several highly experienced environmental weed contractors, whose local knowledge and expertise are invaluable to the success of the project. The Shire of Jerramungup Works crew undertake additional weed management works alongside the contractors.
In 2025, approximately 170 hectares were managed on sites carefully selected on their proximity to high-value environmental asserts and the risk of further spread. Methods used for control varied depending on site conditions and the level on infestation, with Coastal Tea Tree the primary target. Additional control work was undertaken for Boxthorn and Sydney Golden Wattle where present.
Workshops:
Workshops provide an opportunity for community members to learn more about our local environment and effective weed management. At the end of July, Nathan McQuoid, a local landscape ecologist, led a group on tour to explore the diverse plant communities found across Bremer Bay and the Point Henry Pensiula.
Practical demonstrations on effective management strategies for Coastal Tea Tree for landholders who have it on their private property have been delivered by Stacey from Bremer Bay Landscaping.
Get involved:
If you are interested in attending future Busy Bees or workshops, please get in touch to be added to our WhatsApp Group. You can also follow FBG’s social media pages for updates on upcoming activities and opportunities to get involved.
