Innovative Weed Control: Envu’s Method 240SL Offers New Hope For Queensland’s Grazing Industry
Prickly Acacia and Mesquite have taken over much of Central & Northern Queensland’s rural landscapes, threatening the region’s agricultural viability. In this article, Envu’s Rural team share their experience in the region during recent roadshows across Cloncurry, Julia Creek and Richmond, where they met with local landowners, station managers and council delegates to deepen their understanding of the challenges faced in the region and the opportunities for partnership in the fight against woody weeds.
Invasive woody weeds are one of the most serious threats to Australia’s natural environment and primary production industries. Estimates of the annual cost of invasive plants to Queensland are around $600 million (The State Of Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, 2019). This cost stems from management and control efforts and lost agricultural production.
Prickly Acacia and Mesquite, both classified as Australian Weeds of National Significance (WONS), pose significant challenges to Australian agriculture. Originally imported into Australia as shade and fodder trees, these invasive weeds have aggressively spread across Australia and are particularly problematic in key cattle grazing areas such as Cloncurry, Julia Creek, and Richmond.
These invasive weeds degrade waterways, cause erosion and severely reduce grassland productivity, as they outcompete grasses for moisture, reducing carrying capacity for grazing. They can also disrupt stock mustering and restrict livestock access to essential water sources. Their dense, impenetrable thickets alter plant communities, shade more useful forage plants, threaten ecological balance and sharp Mesquite thorns can damage animal hooves, puncture vehicle tyres, and pose safety risks to humans. Additionally, livestock consuming excessive amounts of Mesquite seed pods can suffer poisoning (Weeds Australia, 2019,"Why Is It A Weed" section).
In response to these substantial challenges, Envu’s Rural team have been working to support local communities in their battle against these invasive weeds. In June 2024, Envu’s Rural Team including, Wayne Ryder, Ed Bracey, Christopher Mills and Jeff Einam, conducted a roadshow across Cloncurry, Julia Creek and Richmond to introduce Method® 240SL, a promising new solution to control Prickly Acacia and Mesquite among other invasive woody weed species.
In collaboration with the Cloncurry Council, the team led community presentations to introduce Method 240SL, which drew diverse audiences of council members, contractors, and landowners. Feedback revealed the significant hurdles the community face in managing these invasive weeds and frustrations with current control methods. There was a clear desire for a more environmentally friendly alternative that is gentler on the environment, community, and livestock, given the region’s heavy reliance on prime cattle land.
Controlling these invasive species is critical due to their aggressive reproductive capabilities and persistence in the environment. A healthy, medium-sized Prickly Acacia tree in a well-watered environment can produce as many as 175,000 seeds per year, while a mature sized Mesquite tree can produce hundreds of thousands of seeds. Seeds may be washed downstream to infest neighboring properties impacting those landholders, and stock, especially cattle, are primarily the main agents for seed spread as they readily eat the seed pods and excrete them in open areas. At least 40% of consumed seeds are viable after being excreted, which is usually up to six to eight days after consumption of Prickly Pear (The State Of Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, 2024). Transported livestock can spread seeds over long distances due to the time required for seeds to pass through their digestive systems.
Further complicating control challenges, both species produce seeds with long-term viability, Prickly Acacia seeds can germinate up to 15 years after seed drop (Weeds Australia, 2008,"When does it grow?" section), while Mesquite seeds have been found to be viable after 44 years storage in the Western Australia Herbarium (Government of Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, 2017)
The Envu team conducted a presentation on Method 240SL followed by tours to three demonstration trial sites in Cloncurry where Method 240SL had been applied three months prior. The results were impressive: treated plants, ranging from 1 to 2 metres high, showed no signs of life, while untreated plants nearby thrived. Attendees were particularly encouraged to note the key benefits of Method 240SL, being a non-scheduled poison, water-soluble, low-odour and safe for use around animals and humans; an excellent alternative to the methods they are currently using.
A further presentation in Julia Creek attracted local station managers, including Will Creek from premium beef supplier Stanbroke, and local landholders eager to explore an alternative to diesel-based control methods. By closely engaging with the local community, the team gained valuable insights into ongoing challenges and demonstrated how Method 240SL could offer effective support. A tour of three successful demonstration trial sites in Julia Creek, including one at a major cattle station, drew immediate interest and positive feedback.
The roadshow concluded at the Richmond Field Day, where the Envu team members met with the local community to further showcase Method 240SL. Numerous visits to demonstration trial sites and engagement with farmers, landholders, and station managers, reinforced the product’s effectiveness and solidified Envu’s commitment to building strong relationships within the community. Multiple landowners expressed satisfaction with Method 240SL, highlighting its positive impact and their enthusiasm to share their success with their neighbours.
Building strong, direct partnerships with landowners and station managers is critical for delivering effective solutions. By directly engaging with local communities and visiting various properties across the region, the team have gained a deep understanding and appreciation of the unique challenges landholders and station managers face and the tailored solutions they require to support their woody weed management programs. These partnerships enhance a greater understanding of ongoing issues and enable more effective problem-solving, something the Envu team are committed to maintaining and building on through planned visits to the region.
This ongoing support for local communities demonstrates Envu’s commitment to addressing critical challenges posed by invasive weeds such as Prickly Acacia and Mesquite. By engaging station owners, landowners and farmers in the problem-solving process and delivering tailored solutions, Envu not only addresses immediate concerns, but also builds a collaborative approach to land management. This commitment to partnership ensures that solutions are both effective and sustainable, enabling communities to manage their land more efficiently over the long term.
Through continued partnership and innovation, Envu is committed to empowering landowners and councils to reclaim and protect their land and livelihoods.
References:
1. The State of Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. (2019). Queensland invasive plants and animals strategy 2019-2024. (Report No. CS8731)The State Of Queensland.
2.Weeds Australia. (2019, March). Mesquite, Algaroba. Weeds Australia.
https://weeds.org.au/profiles/mesquite-algaroba/
3. The State of Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. (2024). Prickly acacia: Vachelia nilotica. The State Of Queensland.
4.Weeds Australia. (2019, March). Prickly Acacia, Blackthorn, Prickly Mimosa, Black Piquant, Babul. Weeds Australia.
https://weeds.org.au/profiles/prickly-acacia-blackthorn/
5. Government of Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. (2017). Mesquite: what you should know. Government of Western Australia.
https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/declared-plants/mesquite-what-you-should-know
For more information on Method 240SL herbicide visit the Envu website or speak to one of our team.
Always read the label before use.
