United we stand against boxthorn at Port Hughes
Noxious weeds may be the (box) thorn in the sides of landholders and councils, but a partnership between those caring for the coastal areas along Yorke Peninsula’s Copper Coast region is making inroads into their management.
Among those on the frontline battling weeds – particularly African boxthorn – are Port Hughes Holiday Park managers Michael and Paris Whittaker, along with the Copper Coast Council.
They are part of a broader effort known as the Djulda-wawa Badja project, led by the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board, that for the past three years has been building the coastline’s resilience through practical, on-ground land management activities. Djulda-wawa Badja means ‘resilient coast’ in Narungga language.
African boxthorn has been a blight on the otherwise picturesque Port Hughes Holiday Park and surrounding coastal area. The declared pest plant, which can grow up to six metres and has large thorns that can injure wildlife and people, provides the perfect harbour for pests like rabbits and starlings, if left uncontrolled.
It’s spread by seeds often eaten and distributed by birds and is an aggressive, fast-growing weed.
Mr Whittaker said boxthorn control required long-term, ongoing effort.
“It was a constant battle to keep up with the small boxthorn popping up across the property,” he said.
“By controlling the mature plants in the dunes surrounding the park, we have reduced the amount of seed and risk of spread, and will benefit visitors to the park who enjoy the natural beauty of the dunes.
“The ongoing work in the park, combined with our weed control in the dunes will make a big impact on the prevalence of boxthorn over time, which is often found popping up on roadsides or in gardens in Port Hughes, and is a real nuisance.”
Through the Djulda-wawa Badja project, the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board has undertaken 213 hectares of coastal weed control targeting African boxthorn, white weeping broom, boneseed, wild artichoke, gazania and more.
This work has taken place in Barunga West, Copper Coast and YP Council areas.
Copper Coast Council Parks and Operations coordinator Matthew Rose said combatting the weeds in partnership with Northern and Yorke Landscape Board had ensured a vital, unified approach to the issue.
“This partnership is imperative,” he said. “We’re all on the same page, trying to do the right thing for our local environment.
“It is working really well, by the sharing of information, resources and knowledge and working together we’re making some good inroads.
“Weed control is really important to us, but it is a constant and time-consuming task, as it is for the Landscape Board, but by unifying our efforts and working together, we’ve got a far better chance of controlling weeds.”
The Djulda-wawa Badja project is funded by the Landscape Priorities Fund and Levy. Project partners include councils, Narungga organisations, Landcare and bushfire recovery groups, non-government organisations, landholders, YP Tourism, AGL, Legatus Group, and Regional Development Australia Yorke and Mid North and local schools.
