Agricultural
11 March, 2025
Needle grass a menace
Cr Carol Taylor said vigilance is needed to keep Chilean needle grass in check in the aftermath of Toowoomba Regional Council completing a program in the local area.
Chilean needle grass is a Weed of National Significance and is considered to be one of the worst weeds in Australia because of its invasive nature, potential for spread, and economic and environmental impacts.
In a report tabled at a February meeting, Council officers said the Chilean Needle Grass program has been completed with over 142 roads and streets treated/inspected.
“The program commenced on 3 September 2024 and final treatment/inspection was conducted on 8 January 2025,” the report said.
“Areas treated/inspected include Clifton, Nobby, Greenmount, East Greenmount, Toowoomba, Westbrook and Cambooya.
“Good growing conditions (wet and warm) resulted in an increase in the number of Chilean Needle Grass identifications compared to historically drier seasons, however the general level of infestation (intensity) continues to decline demonstrating the effectiveness of the program.”
In response to the report, Cr Taylor said it is a very insidious weed.
“It’s actually a very difficult weed to get on top of,” Cr Taylor said.
“It doesn’t show up so much in the drier season.
“They didn’t know it was at Clifton Showground for 25 years but it was there.
“I’d like us to keep a really good eye on it around the Clifton area and in Nobby, between Nobby and Greenmount on the road reserve.”
Cr Taylor said property owners inadvertently spread the weed by slashing along the side of the road, as Chilean needle grass has seeds on the top and bottom.
“We’ll be lucky to ever get on top of it I think.”
