Invasive weeds are to be found in a range of circumstances across Aboriginal land in the CLC region including in and around communities, along water courses and in areas of high human and animal traffic.
The CLC has a vital role to play as an active participant in the management of weeds on Aboriginal land and adjoining areas in Central Australia.
Land Management staff performed a number of roles in alerting traditional owners to the current extent and potential impact of noxious weeds on their land, liaising with government and other bodies involved in weed control and eradication and facilitating on-ground Aboriginal participation in weed management programs
In the past, a number of projects have been attempted where equipment is purchased for control of declared weeds on Aboriginal lands. This has been supported by training and assistance to use the equipment so effective weed control can be achieved. Other programs have involved the DPI&F weeds branch carrying out work on Aboriginal lands but due to the lack of equipment, involvement from traditional owners and community members has been limited.
The equipment has been funded by the ILC and consists of quad bikes and herbicide spray-packs to be made available to those communities wanting to undertake weed control work on their own land.
Access to and maintenance of the equipment is co-managed by the CLC Land Management section and the Department of Business, Industry, Research and Development (DBIRD) with the latter assisting with on-site supervision and competency-based training in weed control methods. The equipment is an actively utilised facility generating increasing interest among Aboriginal communities in the region.
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