Inverell Shire Council has kicked off a new two-year Harrisia Cactus control program across farmland between Yetman and the Queensland border, and has been offering funding assistance for landholders with the weed.

Mayor Paul Harmon is encouraging landholders to contact the council to report any new sightings.

Council weeds officer, Geoff Riley said with the species now in flower, now is the perfect time to assess if the pest species has spread.

“Harrisia flowers open at night. They are pink to white and close up again early morning,” he said.

Cr Harmon said program aims to contain further spread of the weed and remove it from native pastures and timbered areas. To assist landholders to remain vigilant, the council is now erecting roadside signage in the Yetman area.

Harrisia’s sprawling infestations often play havoc with mustering livestock and choke out native vegetation.

Mr Riley said the Harrisia problem is being tackled collaboratively by a range of government agencies and grower groups in the Border Rivers region.

“There’s been a lot of work already done by our colleagues in Queensland and also to the west of us. The recent research trials undertaken near Goondiwindi, led by North West Local Land Services will also ensure we’re in the box seat to help landholders tackle the issue”.

The two year program is funded by the New South Wales Government through its Environmental Trust.