SWAN Hill Rotary’s Weed Warrior program, run by Friend of Rotary Ross Cox, is ready to tackle the khaki weed and caltrop that can bloom in the warmer months.
The Weed Warriors are all volunteers, and the Swan Hill Rural City Council finances the purchase of weedicides.
Mr Cox, who will oversee the program with 36 Weed Warriors, said there was still time for people to volunteer for the program.
“If everyone did a small patch in the Swan Hill district, we would be rid of weeds in no time,” Mr Cox said.
“Caltrop is quite nasty and can get into bike tyres, and khaki weed have those little burrs that stick to shoes and socks.”
Rotarian Allan Taylor is a Weed Warrior who looks after the Swan Hill Showgrounds.
“All of this area used to be absolutely covered in caltrop and khaki weed, but over the years we’ve been able to reduce it significantly,” he said.
The Weed Warriors program was started in 2012 by the late Bruce Jones.
Volunteers spray nature strips and public land, not private property.
In addition to caltrop and khaki weed, the Weed Warriors also spray boneseed and African boxthorn.
The chemical used is Kamba M, not Roundup, and people who are interested in becoming Weed Warriors are encouraged to call Mr Cox (0490 359 254) or Nathan Keighan at Swan Hill Rural City Council (5036 2333).
