As the peak growth period of fireweed begins, Ipswich City Council is encouraging community members to be aware of the toxic weed, and to develop a long-term management plan, as there have been several reports of infestation in the area.
Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson, Deputy Mayor and Division 4 Councillor Russell Milligan said fireweed throughout all growth stages contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that damage the liver when ingested.
“This is primarily a concern for livestock, however pulling the plant without gloves can result in secondary poisoning in humans,” he said.
“Fireweed is abundant throughout the entire Ipswich local government area, however it can form dense infestations where there is a lack of good ground cover caused by overgrazing, drought, fire or slashing.
“It is more commonly found in rural and rural-residential areas of the city to the west.
“In addition to providing advice on how to manage infestations and materials to encourage landholders to control fireweed, council provides permits for landholders to dispose of bagged fireweed at a Recycling and Refuse Centre without incurring a fee.
Talk to your neighbours and friends about fireweed
