Gorse is an invasive weed and is a threat to Farmers, landholders, and to our native flora and fauna. It is a very tough plant and will aggressively establish in an area. Gorse is considered a Weed of National Significance and a declared plant meaning that landholders are obliged to control Gorse.
It is currently the flowering season for Gorse so it is easy to notice and identify. Gorse is a dense spiny shrub that will grow up to 2 metres tall. It is multi branched with coarse spiny branchlets and leaves reduced to thick spines. The flowers are a bright yellow pea flower. It also has a hairy seed pod that can be up to 20 mm long.
South Coast NRM and the Department of Agriculture and Food are seeking the community’s support to report any suspected Gorse plants. An active surveillance and control program is being delivered by South Coast NRM and may be able to assist landholders to control plants on their properties.
South Coast NRM CEO, Carl Beck stated that “The only known infestation of gorse in Western Australia is in Albany and surrounding areas. With the help of community, South Coast NRM and DAFWA are focused on eradicating Gorse from WA; but it will take many vigilant eyes to ensure this happens.”
There are some known infestations around the Centennial Park precinct including Railways Sporting Grounds, North Road, and also along Yakamia Creek. “People living in these areas should keep an eye out and notify us if you see any new plants or suspect you have Gorse on your property”, said Mr Beck.
Gorse can be controlled using a variety of methods, although chemical treatment is one of the most effective. “Please call us so we can discuss control options with you”, Mr Beck has offered.
To report any suspected infestations of Gorse, please contact Karl Hansom (South Coast Natural Resource Management) on 9845 8516 or Jenni Westwood (Department of Agriculture and Food) on 9892 8444.
The surveillance and control of Gorse is supported by South Coast NRM through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.