African Lovegrass unearthed workshop - we learnt a lot

Media Release

21 June 2014

African Lovegrass Unearthed Workshop – a “fabulous, well organised event and we learnt a lot”

The Bredbo Landcare Group are absolutely thrilled with the majority of the survey responses handed in after the conclusion of the workshop held in the Bredbo Hall on Saturday.
 

Thanks to the generous funding put forward by the Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc, one hundred landholders from the local area were given the opportunity to hear from six experienced scientists on the subject of one of our most invasive and devastating weeds in the region.
 

The Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc also provided a survey form which each attendee was asked to fill out at the end of the day. In rating the workshop, the majority of attendees checked the feedback points - fabulous, well organised and learnt a lot.

African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) is adept at smothering out native grasslands and invades introduced pastures - together reducing species diversity, environmental values and productivity. To add to this, African Lovegrass, also poses a serious fire hazard. Recent maps produced on the day revealed its spread along the whole of the east of Australia and part way to South Australia.

The six presenters, Dr Rob Godfree, Luke Pope, Dr Josh Dorrough, Bruce Davison, Dr Jennifer Firn and Dr Greg Bender tackled all aspects of this perennial grass weed from its genetic characteristics to how it reacts under various treatments. They each presented on past scientific research and theories underpinning different management philosophies including the practical realities of this robust species. An unexpected outcome of bringing these six presenters together is that they now can keep each other in the loop and collaborate on future studies on African Lovegrass.

For more information or media interviews please contact Dennis Mason, Chair Bredbo Landcare Group on Ph: 0466 245 277 or 6454 4037 or dssmason@optusnet.com.au