1. Identify GRT Presence
Confirm GRT on your property, as many landholders overlook its presence. Look for robust, tufted tussocks (up to 2 m), tough leaves with smooth blade-sheath junctions, and seed heads (45–50 cm, tight spike to pyramidal). Distinguishing GRT from native Sporobolus species is tricky due to similar appearances; native grasses are typically shorter with softer leaves and hairier margins. Consult experts (e.g., Moreton Bay Regional Council, Queensland Herbarium at 07 3896 9326) or use a 10x hand lens to inspect seed structures for accurate identification.
2. Map Infestations
Chart GRT density (occasional: <100 plants/ha; scattered: 1000–2000 plants/ha; dense: >2000 plants/ha) on property maps to assess the scope. Identify watercourses, clean areas, quarantine zones, and high-value zones (pastures, lawns, paddocks). Note soil types (sandy loams, clays), vegetation, and land use to inform strategies.
3. Prevent Spread with Immediate Biosecurity Measures
Implement biosecurity measures (Section 5) to halt seed dispersal. Quarantine livestock, clean machinery, clothing, and footwear, where possible cut and bag seed heads (for moderate infestations), and establish 6-30m GRT-free buffer zones. Coordinate with neighbors, especially on smaller properties (0.5–5 ha), to prevent reinfestation via shared boundaries, wildlife, or water.
4. Become Educated and Seek Expert Advice
Educate yourself on GRT management through resources from Moreton Bay Regional Council, Biosecurity Queensland (13 25 23), and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF). Partner with GRT experts, contractors, and local council officers, who are eager to assist. Engage with Grassforce or other specialists for tailored advice. Don’t fear these stakeholders; their goal is to support effective GRT control.
5. Determine Objectives and Select Strategy
Define your property goals and select a strategy, forming an Integrated GRT Property Management Plan with protocols, timelines, and re-treatment dates. Options include:
- Minimum Compliance: Meet your General Biosecurity Obligation (GBO) with minimal effort by spot spraying infestations and maintaining a perimeter exclusion zone—6 metres on flat to gently undulating land, and 12 to 30 metres on steeper terrain. Watercourses and drainage lines must be treated to the high flood level, extending 12 metres into adjacent land. Driveways and tracks should also be treated to prevent vehicle-assisted spread. While this approach is the lowest cost, it delivers the poorest outcomes, with GRT likely to persist and re-establish.
- Manage and Reduce GRT: Apply a combination of herbicide treatments, livestock rotation, and cultural practices such as mowing and fertilisation to reduce GRT density and improve competitive pasture pressure over time. Minimum compliance measures—boundary zones, waterways, and vehicle traffic areas—must also be addressed. This is a mid-range option in both cost and effectiveness, and is suitable for most properties.
- Replace with Competitive Pastures/Lawns: Establish productive pastures (e.g., Brachiaria, Rhodes grass) or aesthetic lawns (e.g., paspalum, couch) and manage reinfestation. Must be combined with glyphosate and Flupropanate chemical treatments for existing plants and seed bank management to be effective. Higher cost, good outcome for productivity and property value.
- Target Complete Eradication: Develop high-quality pastures (e.g. Brachiaria, Rhodes grass) or aesthetic lawns (e.g. paspalum, couch) while actively managing reinfestation. Removing all visible seed heads and hand or chemical removal of intermittent GRT plants (Juvenile & Mature). Success depends on combining pasture establishment with herbicide treatments to control existing plants and deplete the seed bank. This is the highest-cost option but delivers the best results for long-term productivity and property value.
Tailor the plan to your property’s soil, climate, vegetation, land use, and seasonal conditions, adapting as GRT responds.
6. Invest in Equipment or Engage Contractors
Decide whether to treat GRT yourself or hire contractors. Self-treatment requires investing in equipment (e.g., sprayers, mowers, tractors, slashers, cultivation equipment etc) and herbicides, which can be costly ($100' to as to $300,000 for machinery or more) and demands expertise.
Contractors like GrassForce offer speed, know-how, and often lower short- and long-term costs, especially for complex infestations or large properties. Utilising contractors is most efficient and ensures compliance.
7. Complete Initial Treatment and Remediation
Execute the initial phase of your Integrated GRT Property Management Plan based on your objectives. For example:
- Minimum Compliance: Spot spray occasional plants with appropriate chemicals.
- Manage and Reduce: Combine chemical broadacre spraying, livestock rotation, and weekly mowing (lawns) or slashing (pastures).
- Replace Pastures/Lawns: Apply herbicide, plant competitive species (e.g., Brachiaria for pastures, paspalum for lawns), and fertiliz]se.
Monitor results and adjust based on GRT response, soil conditions, and rainfall.
8. Implement Long-Term Follow-Up and Management
Commit to a 3–10 year management program, as published case studies and Grassforce’s property trials confirm this timeframe yields optimal outcomes. Conduct annual inspections, re-treat with appropriate chemicals (every 6–12 months, especially after heavy rain >100 mm), and maintain competitive pastures (20–30 cm) or lawns (5–7 cm). Monitor for reinfestation via livestock, wildlife, or neighbours and adapt the plan as conditions change.