Council pleased with Rural Land Rebate Response

Strathbogie Shire Council would like to thank the rural ratepayers who recently applied for the Rural Land Rebate. Strathbogie Shire Council's, Land Management Officer, Sue Ablitt said, "I would like to thank everyone for taking up the challenge of tackling weeds and rabbits on their land - we have had an excellent response.

The more people who take responsibility for noxious weeds and rabbits on their land the easier the job becomes for everyone, as problems of invasion and re-invasion from adjacent properties are reduced. We all benefit from increased agricultural productivity and a healthier natural environment when these pest plants and animals are controlled."

Sue Ablitt will be visiting properties and conducting audits for the program throughout the year and looks forward to meeting local landholders.

"With the arrival of some autumn rain we are likely to see new weeds emerging, such as Paterson's Curse. At this early stage it is a low, flat plant or "rosette" which has paddle-shaped green leaves with prominent veins. Now is a good time to get active in weed control before the plants grow and establish," Sue said.

If anyone would like further information on Paterson's Curse please contact Sue Ablitt on 5795 0000.

For more information: Marli Kelly 0409 410 178 - 2 May 2008

For details/interview call the Editor on (03) 5798 1858