MEDIA RELEASE 4 February 2010 Weed Busters unite in fight against coastal weeds A free, two‐day accredited training course in weed identification and management known as ‘Weed Busters’ is to be run by Cradle Coast Natural Resource Management at the Tasmanian Skills Institute Burnie campus on 3 and 4 March. There are no prerequisites for the course which is open to anyone and provides participants with a nationally recognized weed management qualification delivered through a combination of theoretical classes and practical, in‐field exercises. Course registrations are now open and will be accepted until 26 February. The two‐day course will share information on weed types and their control, safe preparation and application of chemicals, and feature guest speakers from the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment along with other experts in the weed control industry. Matt Rose, Coastal Weeds Officer at Cradle Coast NRM and organizer of the training, is pleased that the free course could be offered in North West Tasmania where landowners, parks and council workers, and urban gardeners alike are increasingly aware of the problems caused by environmental weeds and are keen to do their part as ‘weed busters’. “Weeds such as African Boxthorn, Blackberry and Sea Spurge if left uncontrolled can degrade native vegetation, displace native plant and animal species and in some areas reduce the productivity of agricultural land,” Mr Rose said. “It’s a growing problem in our region, but fortunately there’s also a growing interest from people to learn about the weeds and take action. This free course provides all the knowledge and tools people need to become ‘weed busters’; either as a step in their profession or as a personal hobby.” In addition to taking home a nationally recognized qualification and the Weed Buster training manual, the participants also meet like‐minded individuals and can make connections with industry experts. “It’s amazing how tackling a common problem can bring people together and encourage the sharing of experiences and best practices. The course has been especially designed to foster this sharing and also be fun, relaxed and very practical,” said Mr Rose. Registrations for the free Weed Busters training are essential and can be made until 26 February by contacting Matt Rose at Cradle Coast NRM on 6431 6285 or mrose@cradlecoast.com End… Cradle Coast NRM works with community, industry, private enterprise and government to manage and improve our natural resources to ensure a healthy future for our region. Cradle Coast NRM is a committee of the Cradle Coast Authority. Weed Buster training is provided under the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country program. Media Contact/s: Matt Rose Coastal Weeds Officer Cradle Coast NRM Ph: 03 6431 6285
Amanda Wilson Communications Manager Cradle Coast Authority Ph: 0457 834 558