Knowledge and experience delivers long term success.

Many batters and banks along the South Eastern Freeway have been ignored since its creation in the mid 70s to mid 80s. The plant species used in batter stabilisation were mostly exotic and were now causing high fuel levels and fire concerns.

Transport SA had been treating an area of the landscape by continuously spraying weeds to control them, a practice that had come to be seen as unsustainable and environmentally unsound.

Rural Solutions SA was asked to develop a program to control woody and grassy weeds to reduce the fire hazard within the Mt Barker Council area.

What we did.

After assessing the area, a plan of action was formulated and implemented. This recommended the close-space planting of selected local native tress and shrubs at a strategically identified time, along with a follow-up over the ensuing 6 months.

What we achieved.

After just 6 months there was no longer a need to continuously spray the area. The site has developed into a model example of how to deal with heavily infested weed sites.

Thanks to the plan devised by Rural Solutions SA, the site delivered an added bonus in providing carbon offsets for the State passenger transport fleet and some four years later, the area is still maintenance free.

Similar projects have been undertaken for Adelaide Hills, Gawler and Barossa Valley Councils.

Contact: Jodie Reseigh