QFPI Landholder—AC/DC Herbicide Training 05/02/2018 till 09/02/2018

Conducted AC/DC training for the horticulturists and graziers who will be conducting weed control work, on their respective properties. This work is being conducted as a part of the Cape York Weeds and Feral Animals, Incorporated, and Cape York NRM Queensland Feral Pest Initiative Project.

Cape York Weeds and Feral Animals Program are working in conjunction with individual properties as a part of the strategic control of locally declared and other declared weed infestations in the South East Cape York Area. This includes all the productive land areas within Laura Valley, Cooktown, Endeavour Valley, Mt Amos and Rossville.

• The main objective is to strategically eliminate weeds and to improve the productivity of their properties, located in Cape York Peninsula.

• The secondary goal is to reduce the spread of this species down the river systems and along road networks. Because of the increased vehicular traffic due to traditional owner movement, tourism and various causes, the biggest challenge is to reduce weed seed spread into previously clean areas.

• Weeds such as Sicklepod, Lantana, Singapore Daisy, Gamba Grass etc are also being spread throughout the roads and river systems of these farming systems.

• The main aim of the AC/DC training was to give the graziers and horticulturists the necessary skills to be able to strategically target all the weeds that have been identified in their pest management plan, as well as their core land management responsibilities.

• It was decided to go to the Mallee Leuca property in the Endeavour Valley, as they were set up for the training and the practical components of the training.

• The weather interrupted our program, delaying the completion by two days.

• The eight Landholders were: - Horticulturists: - Councillor John Giese, Charlie Lamb, Martin Pattie, Rick Reid, Cassandra Sorensen, Dale and Leslie Burke, and Graziers: - Ron Tiemstra.

• Because the weather delayed our training completion date by two days, horticulturist, Cassie Sorensen had to return to work for the final practical exercise part of the course.

• We completed this part for her on the weekend after the course.

• The landholders were shown how to safely spray, safe chemical use, the safe operation of a spray unit, and basic weeds ID. The full AC/DC course was delivered, along with all the latest weed control and herbicide mixing techniques.

• The techniques used were extensively practiced, giving the landholders as much practical experience as possible

• The control program was mainly concentrating on the Declared Species on the land and water courses on the Mallee Leuca property.

•  As  the Lantana consisted of grown plants well over two metres high, the basal barking technique was actively worked well.

• The crew was professional and keen. They worked hard to practice their new skills.

• I found them to be willing to have a go and very conscientious.

• Control work was conducted well and thoroughly.

• Training on the use of GIS mapping techniques was briefly given.

• We did what we could get to and everything was mapped and data sheets completed

• Travelled home.

• Vehicles and all gear were cleaned up. Maintenance sheets were completed.

• Because the AC/DC was carried out over the full three days, more practical work was able to be carried out.

• Eric Dick helped me deliver the successful training modules. We had a few dramas with weather, but we managed to complete all the training outcomes, in spite of everything.

  The graziers and horticulturists are to be commended on their efforts and their willingness to help. They were keen to have a go.