29Sept2011_DEEDI WEEDS WORKSHOPS

Prevent weeds from resisting herbicides – free workshops
Free workshops will be held along Queensland’s coast to help people understand what herbicide resistance is and how to decrease the chances of it happening.  iosecurity Queensland’s Principal Weed Scientist Joe Vitelli said the workshops enabled landholders and spray operators to better manage weeds on their properties.

“We are seeing more and more weeds becoming resistant to various herbicides. Some weeds are even resistant to more than one type of herbicide,” Mr Vitelli said.
“The interactive workshops will be held as part of a nationally funded project on the management of glyphosate resistant weeds in non-agricultural areas.
“They will clarify misconceptions about how herbicide resistance is developed and highlight the importance of managing weed seed production.
“The workshops are suitable for those that have both direct and indirect involvement in applying herbicides to control weeds in non-cropping systems.
“Situations include amenities, aquatic areas, aviation land, correctional services land, driveways, defence land, firebreaks, footpaths, forestry, grazing, horticultural, mining, parks, roadsides, railways, sporting grounds and utilities.”
Workshops will be presented by Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) scientists Dr David Thornby, Joe Vitelli and Dr David Holdom and are supported by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.
“To date, over 90 sites in Australia have recorded weed species resistant to glyphosate alone,” Mr Vitelli said.
“These workshops will provide an opportunity for people to learn more about weed management practices and for researchers to develop a diverse range of weed management tactics to prevent herbicide resistance across different regions and land uses.
“I encourage those who cannot attend to fill out a quick survey on herbicide resistance at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au.
“Information obtained from the survey will help us to develop more effective, realistic and targeted management options to reduce herbicide resistance.”

Workshops will run from 9.00am – 12.30pm.
Date                                    Location       
Tuesday 11 October         Cairns (Cairns Local Disaster Coordination Centre, 61-79 Windarra Street, Woree)
Wednesday 12 October    Townsville (DEEDI Oonoonba Office, 180-202 River Boulevard)
Thursday 13 October        Mackay (Mackay Surf Club, East Point Road, Harbour Beach)       
Friday 14 October            Rockhampton (DEEDI Rockhampton Office, 25 Yeppoon Road)      
Monday 17 October         Brisbane (Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park)       
Tuesday 18 October        Sunshine Coast (Maroochy Research Station, Mayers Road, Maroochy)    
Wednesday 19 October   Gold Coast (Volunteer Marine Rescue, Muriel Henchman Drive, Main Beach)     
Thursday 20 October      Gympie (Gympie Conference Centre, Cnr Fraser Road and Bruce Highway)    

For more information or to register for a workshop contact Joe Vitelli on 07 3255 4473 or email joseph.vitelli@deedi.qld.gov.au .
For information on herbicide resistance visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or call the Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23.
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