Published on Monday, 17 August 2020 at 3:15:00 PM
The Shire of Coolgardie has partnered with the Goldfields Nullarbor Rangelands Biosecurity Association (GNRBA) on a program aimed at eliminating the invasive cactus species, White Spined Hudson Pear, located on open areas of land in Coolgardie.
No cactus species are native to Australia. Hudson Pear, an invasive cactus species and a nationally declared pest, is of Mexican origin and was first detected in NSW in the 1960’s. It is believed it was used by opal miners as a natural barrier to protect their workings from potential thieves.
The Shire’s program to eradicate the species commenced in March 2020 and is being run in partnership with the GNRBA. The Shire is aiming to eliminate Hudson Pear by implementing cochineal – a harmless insect with a white cotton wool appearance that consumes the plant.
Michelle Donaldson, Chief Executive Officer of GNRBA said they are aiming for insect numbers to multiply and then infested cladodes (leaves) to be transferred to other land areas in Coolgardie in the coming months.
“The cochineal remains dormant in the cooler winter months. In September and October, trained Shire of Coolgardie staff and other volunteers will begin the transfer process of the insects to other areas,” said Michelle.
“The insects are very host specific and certain ‘biotypes’ will only feed on species of cactus. Once this feed source is eradicated, the cochineal will simply die out. It’s going to take time for the cochineal to spread, but the end result will be Coolgardie’s land restored to its natural state.”
GNRBA conducted a field visit and training with Shire of Coolgardie staff on Thursday 13 August 2020.
Shire President Malcolm Cullen said preservation of the Shire’s natural environment was incredibly important.
“It’s imperative we eradicate this cactus species due to the threat it poses. Unlike traditional methods such as spraying or mechanical removal, the cochineal provides a safe and sustainable solution harmless to animals and humans.”
“We’re proud to be supporting the GNRBA on the implementation of this program and hope to deliver a lasting benefit for the Coolgardie community by eradicating this harmful environmental pest from the townsite.”
Shire President Malcolm Cullen, Director of Operations Robert Hicks, and the Shire of Coolgardie Works Crew alongside CEO Michelle Donaldson of Goldfields Nullarbor Rangelands Biosecurity Association (GNRBA)
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