An advance in Shire of Murray's fight to conquer cotton bush has been made with local rangers now authorised to enforce the Biodiversity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 within the district.
Murray chief executive Dean Unsworth said residents now have a local contact to report cotton bush instances, which would enable a better, more immediate response to concerns and more effective control of the declared plant.
"Rangers will work with landowners throughout the year to educate and empower voluntary compliance, to ensure the health of our enviable natural environment," he said.
Shire of Murray rangers have worked closely with Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development inspectors over the last two years to implement local programs for cotton bush control.
The authorisation came into effect in early March and permits rangers to inspect private properties within the region where the presence of cotton bush has been identified.
Mr Unsworth said the Shire would continue to work with Peel-Harvey Biosecurity Group on programs for affected areas and educational programs for community members regarding identification and control methods of cotton bush in the region.
Sightings of cotton bush should be reported to Shire of Murray ranger services on 9531 7777.
For further information on cotton bush identification and control, visit the website.
