A targeted weed control program along Hughes Creek Road has delivered promising results, highlighting the importance of early intervention in managing watsonia, an invasive environmental weed.
The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GB CMA) engaged a contractor to undertake weed control works in July 2025, targeting watsonia infestations along Hughes Creek Road. Watsonia spreads through both seed and bulb division and has become established along sandy sections of the Hughes Creek banks in many areas.
The project was supported by Mitchell Shire Council and focused on treating the weed during its early growth stage. As part of the program, a trial compared the effectiveness of a broadleaf selective herbicide and a non-selective herbicide.
Follow up works carried out this season have delivered encouraging results. Monitoring found significantly fewer re-emerging watsonia plants in treated areas compared with untreated sites, indicating the herbicide applications successfully reduced the bulbs' ability to regenerate.
The positive outcomes also meant less effort was required during the follow up program, with less than half the time needed to undertake control works compared to the previous season. Herbicide was again applied during the weed's early growth stage to maximise effectiveness.
The trial found there was no significant difference in performance between the two herbicides tested, suggesting that timing and targeted application are the most important factors in achieving successful control.
However, the broadleaf selective herbicide offers an important advantage by reducing the risk of impacts on non-target species, making it a valuable option in sensitive environments.
GB CMA River Health Project Officer Christine Glassford said the project highlighted the benefits of acting early to control watsonia infestations.
This project demonstrates that timing is critical when managing watsonia. By targeting the weed early in its growth stage, we were able to achieve better control results and substantially reduce the effort required for follow up treatment"
The findings provide valuable guidance for landholders, land managers and environmental organisations looking to reduce the spread and impact of watsonia across the region.
As part of its commitment to protecting and restoring Victoria’s waterways and catchments, this project is funded by the Victorian Government.
To find out more about the Goulburn Broken CMA and its programs please visit www.gbcma.vic.gov.au or phone 03 5820 1100