Invasive Plants Equipment Hire

Quantity: 5

Features:  

• Gas powered 

• 6 metre spray length 

• 5 litre tank 

• Kit includes backpack, second gas cylinder, and holster 

Note: Gas cylinders are required to be returned full

• 400 litre tank 

• 1 x 100 metre hose (retractable via remote control) 

• 2 units mountable on a single and dual cab utilities 

• 1 unit mounted in a trailer 

• 600 litre tank 

• 2 x 100 metre hoses (retractable via remote control) 

Note: This unit is only available for pick up from the Miriam Vale Depot

Quantity: 1

Features: 

• 400 litre tank 

• 2 x 100 meter hoses (retractable via remote control) 

Note: This unit is only available for pick up from the Miriam Vale Depot

• Similar looking to a slasher towed by tractor. 

• Required 3-point linkage. 

• Uses a rope soaked in glyphosate to contact and treat the top of the weeds. 

Quantity: 1

Features: 

• 400 litre tank 

• Mountable on the back of single cab utilities only 

• Side Loaded for ease of access and setup

Note: This unit is only available for pick up from the Calliope Depot

Adaptive land management involves changing environmental conditions to make it harder for invasive plants to survive, without relying on herbicides. These methods are especially useful in sensitive areas or where long-term ecosystem health is a priority. 

Examples include: 

• Fire: Used to suppress or access weeds, with timing critical to prevent seed release. Requires permits and careful planning. 

• Moisture & Nutrient Control:  Reducing runoff and nutrient inputs can limit weed growth. Mulch, solarisation, and weed mats help prevent germination. 

• Over-Planting: Establishing native vegetation to shade out and out-compete weeds over time. 

Biological control uses natural enemies, such as insects or pathogens, to reduce the vigour and spread of invasive plants. These agents are carefully tested to ensure they only target specific weeds and do not harm native species, crops, or the environment. 

Key Benefits: 

• Reduces reliance on herbicides 

• Lowers long-term management costs 

• Supports integrated weed control strategies 

Important Notes: 

• Bio-controls rarely eliminate weeds entirely, but they can weaken infestations and make other control methods more effective 

• Agents are usually sourced from the weed’s country of origin 

• Biosecurity Queensland oversees research and release programs, with strict safety protocols in place 

Contact Council to access biological control for Salvinia, Parthenium. 

Biological Control Program 

Basal bark spraying is a targeted method used to control woody weeds, saplings, and multi-stemmed shrubs or trees, particularly those up to 10cm in diameter or with a suckering growth habit that makes stem injection difficult. 

It involves applying a mixture of oil-soluble herbicide and an oil-based carrier (such as diesel, kerosene, bark oil, or vegetable oil) to the lower 30–40cm of the trunk, ensuring full coverage around the stem. This mixture penetrates the bark and disrupts the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and reproduce, gradually weakening and killing the weed. 

Because the root system remains intact, this method helps minimize soil disturbance and reduce erosion risk, especially in sensitive areas.  

1. Mix the solution 
Combine herbicide and carrier using the recommended mixing rate for basal bark application. Always follow label directions and wear protective gear. 

2. Apply to the base of the plant 
Use a low-pressure spray unit or hand-held applicator to coat the lower 30–40cm of the trunk or stem, all the way around. Spray until the bark is visibly wet but not dripping. 

3. Target dry, thin bark 
Apply only to dry bark—thick or wet bark may prevent absorption. 

4. Avoid runoff 
Take care to prevent overspray or runoff into soil or nearby vegetation. 

The cut stump method involves cutting invasive plants at the base (no higher than 15 cm from the ground) using secateurs, loppers, a handsaw, chainsaw, axe, brush cutter, or machete. The herbicide solution is then applied immediately to the exposed stump to destroy the stump and root system. 

Key points: 

• Herbicide must be applied immediately: within 15 seconds for water-based herbicides and within 1 minute for diesel-soluble herbicides. 

• Suitable for woody weeds such as shrubs, trees, and vines. 

• Correct timing ensures the herbicide is absorbed and prevents regrowth. 

Foliar spraying involves diluting herbicide with water and applying it directly to the foliage until leaves are wetted, but not dripping. The herbicide is absorbed into the plant, making this method effective for most invasive plants, except some succulents and trees. 

Manual removal involves extracting the entire root system, tubers, bulbs, or corms to prevent regrowth. All plant parts capable of reproducing should be bagged and solarised or disposed of appropriately. 

Key points: 

• Minimal disturbance to soil and surrounding plants 

• Effective for small infestations or sensitive areas 

This method involves digging out weeds using a mattock or chip hoe. Depending on the plant, it may be necessary to expose the root system and remove the crown. In some cases, the tool can be used to cut the stem below ground, which is particularly useful in hard soil. 

Key points: 

• Wear gloves to prevent blisters 

• Effective for hard or compacted ground 

• Ensures removal of roots and crowns to prevent regrowth 

Mechanical methods use machinery to remove invasive plants, such as tilling soil, slashing vegetation, or using an aquatic weed harvester. These approaches can be effective in certain situations, but care must be taken to avoid unintended impacts. 

Common Techniques: 

• Slashing with a tractor or ride-on mower, often used where desirable species can outcompete regrowth 

• Steam treatment: sometimes applied after slashing to suppress regrowth 

• Bulldozing or chain-sawing: used to push or fell woody weeds 

• Grading or scalping: removes the topsoil and seedbank, suitable for full site rehabilitation 

Considerations: 

• Soil disturbance can trigger weed seed germination 

• May damage native vegetation 

• Best suited for large infestations or rehabilitation zones 

• Follow-up control is often needed for shoots and seedling 

Stem injection is a targeted method used to control large vines, trees, and woody shrubs, especially those that are difficult to remove manually or mechanically. 

How it works: 

• Drill or cut holes into the sapwood just beneath the bark, spaced 5cm apart around the stem 

• Immediately (within 15 seconds) fill each hole with herbicide 

• The herbicide is absorbed and transported throughout the plant, eventually killing it 

Key Points: 

• Effective for large or hard-to-access woody weeds 

• Minimises disturbance to surrounding vegetation 

• Herbicide must be applied immediately after drilling or cutting to ensure uptake 

• Follow-up may be needed for suckers or seedlings 

Stem scraping is a targeted method used to control invasive vines with aerial tubers, which can regrow from stem fragments. 

How it works: 

• Use a sharp knife to gently scrape a thin layer of bark from a 10cm section of stem, exposing the green tissue beneath 

• Immediately (within 15 seconds) apply herbicide to the exposed area 

• Optionally, wrap the treated section in plastic to improve absorption 

• The herbicide moves through the plant’s vascular system, killing it entirely 

Key Points: 

• Effective for weedy vines that are hard to control by other methods 

• Helps prevent regrowth from stem fragments 

• Timing is critical. Apply herbicide within 15 seconds of scraping 

Wick wiping uses a herbicide-soaked wick or rope, attached to a handle or 12volt pump system, to apply herbicide directly onto invasive plants. This can be done with either a hand-held or rotating trailer-mounted wick. 

Key points: 

• Trailer wick wipers: suitable for fast-growing pasture weeds where there is enough distance from desirable species. 

• Hand-held wick wipers: suitable for pasture weeds, ground covers, and small shrubs; allows concentrated herbicide application. 

• Advantages: precise application, minimal off-target damage. 

• Council equipment: tractor (3-point linkage) wick wipers are available for hire