INTRODUCTION TO MORNINGTON PENINSULA PEST PLANTS

It is estimated that less than seven per cent of the Mornington Peninsula
is covered in bushland similar to that occurring before European settlement.
Of this remnant bushland, much has already been invaded by plants normally
found elsewhere.

WHAT ARE PEST PLANTS? 

The term ‘pest plant’ or ‘environmental weed’ refers to those plant
species that have naturalized outside their normal geographic range. Essentially,
they are weeds because they grow WHERE THEY DO NOT BELONG. Environmental
weeds have been progressively invading bushland and coastal areas of the
Peninsula, taking over from the indigenous (naturally occurring) species,
or preventing their regeneration.

Most of the indigenous wildlife surviving in our area is directly dependent
on indigenous vegetation. Loss of bushland can lead to local extinction
of our birds and animals.

Some of the plants in this booklet are termed “NOXIOUS WEEDS”. Under
State legislation, local councils are responsible for enforcing noxious
weed provisions. On private land, the responsibility for controlling noxious
plants lies with the owner or occupier of the land, who may be fined for
failing to remove them.

The majority of pest plants threatening the Peninsula’s natural areas
have spread from residential gardens, tracks or roadsides into surrounding
bushland. Once established there, they grow vigorously because they have
few natural predators or diseases to control them. This results in the
reduction in numbers and abundance of plant species, a loss of habitat
for our wildlife and a deterioration in landscape qualities.

It is vital that we all recognize environmental weeds and that we prevent
their further spread into our remaining bushland areas.

Unfortunately some of the plants in this list are still sold in some
nurseries.

USING THIS GUIDE 

This guide is designed to emphasize the role of residents in tackling
the Mornington Peninsula’s weed problem. It includes information to assist
in both the identification and control of thirty-two major pest plants.

The weeds have been selected from lists submitted by the former municipalities
of Frankston, Hastings and Mornington in conjunction with the Victorian
Department of Sustainability and Environment.

A further list of plant species with potential to become serious weeds
is included on the back cover of the guide. These plants should be closely
monitored, treated warily and not planted.

Control – Who and How? 

This guide should encourage residents to tackle pest plants on their
own land. In some areas the clearing of native vegetation requires state
or local planning approval. If uncertain about plant identification, please
consult with your local council before removal.

Weed control on public land is the responsibility of government authorities,
either Local or State. However, public land managers generally welcome
the assistance of informed voluntary groups, such as conservation associations,
schools and service clubs.

For each weed on the illustrated list we have recommended mechanical
control means, e.g., pulling, cutting or digging. Whenever possible, plants
should be removed before seed is set.

Information on chemical control is available from the Water Resources
and Land Protection Division of the Victorian Department of Sustainability
and Environment, which provides a free advisory service on weed problems.
Users of herbicides are responsible for ensuring that correct precautions
and procedures are carried out.

Disposal 

It is important to dispose of the various parts of weeds in a manner
unlikely to cause further spread.

Seed-free foliage can safely be composted.

Seed-heads, stem portions, bulbs and plants with persistent root systems
should be sealed in bags and either placed in garbage bins or taken to
the tip or refuse station.

Replacements for Pest Plants 

An important part of pest control is replacement with plants that do
not pose a problem. By choosing indigenous plant species, residents can
create habitat for local animals and birds, and contribute to our local
landscape. In the centrefold is a selection of substitute species indigenous
to the Mornington Peninsula.

Acknowledgements 

We are grateful to the Weed Science Society and Friends of Sherbrooke
Forest for providing photographs in this publication.