Southern Rural Water, supported by Larrakia Bilirra Group and Mountain View Contracting, is undertaking a targeted prickly pear treatment trial within Southern Rural Water land at Melton Reservoir from 19 to 30 October 2026.
The work will treat localised infestations of this declared noxious weed and assess the most effective approach for ongoing weed management in the broader area.
Planned work period: 19 to 30 October 2026, treatment is expected to occur over a four-day period, subject to suitable weather and site conditions.
Site notification: Advance site notification and general warning signs will be placed around active treatment areas and post-treatment.
Monitoring period: 12 months, with follow-up inspection and further treatment if required.
What work will be carried out
The trial will use a combination of direct spraying and targeted injection. This approach allows treatment to be applied directly to the prickly pear and is considered the most effective method for the range of plant sizes.
Herbicide treatment will mainly use Grazon Extra herbicide and Uptake Spraying Oil as well as a small control patch using Trio Glyphosate 540, Herbicide, Country Glyphosate 360 and Garlon 600 Herbicide to compare the effectiveness of different chemicals under site conditions.
Crews may be seen applying a controlled spray directly to the plant pads and injecting selected pads or stems.
A coloured marker dye may be visible on treated pads, so crews can identify completed areas.
Treated plants may remain green immediately after application. Yellowing, browning, softening, and gradual collapse may occur over the following months.
Works will not proceed during high winds or when raining or during other weather conditions that could affect safe and effective application.
What you need to do if visiting the site
Follow all site signs and directions from authorised workers and keep children and pets outside the signed treatment area.
Do not touch, cut, remove or handle treated prickly pear, even if the plant appears dry or begins to break down.
Do not pick or eat fruit from treated plants. Fruit may remain visible after treatment and must not be consumed.
Avoid disturbing fallen pads, as prickly pear can spread from plant fragments, and the spines can cause injury.
If contact occurs
Move away from the treated area and avoid further contact. For exposure advice, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 and follow its instructions. If fruit from a treated plant is swallowed, call 13 11 26 immediately and do not wait for symptoms.
If a person collapses, has difficulty breathing or has a serious reaction, call 000 for an ambulance.
Why the trial is being undertaken
Prickly pear can form dense infestations, restrict access, displace other vegetation and harbour pest animals.
This 12-month trial will allow Southern Rural Water to monitor treatment performance, identify the most effective application method and support planning for the broader control program.
The intended outcome is for treated plants to progressively degrade and naturally decompose over the trial period.
Product Safety Data Sheets
GLYPHOSATE 360
GARLON 600
GRAZON Extra Herbicide
TRIO GLYPHOSATE 540
UPTAKE Spraying Oil
| Southern Rural Water | Larrakia Bilirra Group |
| Contact: Luciano Giannone Phone: 0448 703 209 Email: LucianoG@SRW.com.au |
Contact: Adrian Kohlman Phone: 0484 347 496 Email: Adrian.kohlman@larrakiabilirra.com.au |