Local biosecurity groups hosting community workshops to help eradicate Arum Lilies

Though the white flowers sitting at the end of vibrant green stalks look appealing, the arum lily is one of Australia’s most damaging and pervasive weeds.

To help tackle the ongoing infestation, the Leschenault Biosecurity Group have partnered with the shires of Harvey and Capel and the cities of Bunbury and Busselton to offer educational workshops to landowners wanting to get a handle on the weed.

The partnership is the first step in a two-year campaign to tackle arum lily infestation through ground-based reconnaissance, mapping treatment and monitoring.

The LBG will be running two workshops for landowners with the first on July 16 at the Gelorup Community Centre from 5.30pm.

The second will be at the Leschenault Leisure Centre the following evening, also from 5.30pm.

A spokesperson for the LBG said arum lilies pose a significant threat to native plants and animals, often out-competing native vegetation and disrupting local ecosystems.

“It’s rapid growth rate and high reproductive capacity allows it to quickly establish and aggressively out-complete native plants reducing biodiversity, creating a dense monoculture, disrupting and decimating natural habitats,” the spokesperson said.

By wiping out native plants, arum lilies reduce food and habitat for native wildlife.

The LBG will provide free herbicide, control guidance and equipment loan though support of the Peel-Harvey Biosecurity Group.

PHBG executive officer Teele Hooper-Worrell said the group also have a range of resources on declared weed control which will be brought along to the workshop.

“Landholders within the PHBG operational area can contact the PHBG for support in the control of declared weeds like arum lily,” she said.

“Community members can use their local registered biosecurity group websites to find best practice control and management actions to reduce the negative impacts from a range of declared feral animal and weed pests.”