Wellington Shire Council recently completed annual works to help eradicate prickly pear.

Two species of prickly pear (Opuntia monacantha and Opuntia stricta) are present at a small number of sites throughout the shire including roadsides and Council reserves.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Alan Hall said weed eradication was important for local agriculture.

“If not controlled, prickly pear poses a significant threat to agricultural activities and environmental values,” he said.

“Prickly pear produces fruit that contains seeds – easily spreading long distances.

“The weed has a long lifespan and can live for decades.”

These two species are declared Regionally Prohibited Weeds within the West Gippsland Catchment Management region and Restricted Weeds within the East Gippsland Catchment Management region.

Council encourages the community to report cases of prickly pear on 1300 366 244 or by completing a Customer Action Request Form.