Putting fireweed on the front burner: improving management and understanding impact

Fireweed ('Senecio madagascariensis') continues to spread in coastal pastures in south eastern Australia, as well as onto the Northern and Southern Tablelands of NSW and in South-East Queensland. This paper details the key findings of a national survey of landholders conducted in late 2011 to evaluate fireweed impact and management options. Fireweed was less likely to be considered a problem in areas where it had spread recently, or where it had a long history of infestation. It was considered the 'worst weed on property' by about one third of respondents. Over 80% of respondents attempted to control fireweed. Many use a mixture of methods, amongst which the more successful appeared to be hand weeding, grazing with sheep or goats, herbicide and promoting competitive pasture. The most significant economic impacts of fireweed included lack of time to devote to other farm tasks, and impact on farm profitability. Even landholders who considered fireweed under control on their farm spent considerable time and money managing the weed. Fireweed remains a considerable concern for landholders along the south-eastern Australian coast and hinterland.