Coliban Water and a group of volunteers have taken steps to control the spread of the South African Weed Orchid at Barkers Creek Reservoir in Harcourt.
The group from Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA), along with three Indonesian youth delegates from the Australia Indonesia Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP), were on hand for three days last week as part of a concerted effort to control the invasive weed.
Manager Community Operations Mick Dunne said the South African Weed Orchid had been present around Barkers Creek for a number of years and it was important to continue working towards its eradication from the area.
“The weed grows in bush, pasture, roadside reserves and grazing land. It is tolerant to fire, frost and drought and can exclude the growth of smaller indigenous flora, such as orchids, lilies and grasses” said Mr Dunne.
“Each plant produces tens of thousands of seeds which are spread by wind, water or accidental introduction by vehicles, machinery, clothing, shoes or camping equipment.
“We are grateful to have the help of the volunteers and AIYEP participants to remove them and limit further spread of seeds. Many hands have certainly made this an easier task,” Mr Dunne said.
Indonesian AIYEP participants Haggi Fianda, Barep Alamsyah and Usman Dzulkarnaih were involved in digging out the weed orchid and bagging them for safe disposal. Mr Fianda said he had a new appreciation for conservation work and weed control.
“It’s a tough job. We’ve also been watering plants, identifying natives and removing other weeds. The exchange program has been a great experience. Indonesia is a neighbour of Australia so it’s been great to visit and make connections with people,” said Mr Fianda.
AIYEP Project Coordinator Eloise Dolan said it was exciting for the participants be a part of the CVA program and to assist Coliban Water with weed control.
“It has been a fantastic opportunity for Haggi, Barep and Usman to get a taste of regional Australia. The program is a once in a lifetime opportunity for participants that creates links at grassroots level and provides professional and personal development. Ultimately, this enhances the Australia-Indonesia relationship,” Ms Dolan said.
CVA Conservation Officer Brydie Murrihy said a large number of orchid plants had been successfully removed thanks to the group’s work.
“Projects like this are a valuable opportunity for our volunteers to learn about our environment and give back to the local area. We appreciate their support and hard work,” said Ms Murrihy.
Coliban Water has worked with CVA on a number of projects for weed control and rubbish clearing around Bendigo, Lauriston and Malmsbury.
For information on CVA see www.conservationvolunteers.com.au and for information on Coliban Water’s reservoirs see the Visiting our Reservoirs web page at www.coliban.com.au
Last updated on 09 Jul 2019