JOIN THE ARUM LILY BLITZ

Our beautiful region is being overrun by a toxic and aggressive invader, but we have a plan to restore harmony and we need your help.

Backed by more than $340,000 in funding over three years from the WA Government’s State Natural Resource Management Program, Nature Conservation Margaret River Region and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions are spearheading the biggest arum lily control program this region has ever seen. The ARUM LILY BLITZ will involve coordinated activities across all land tenures; comprehensive monitoring and management programs; free herbicide, training and resources for landholders; and a widespread awareness campaign.

Most importantly, it will involve you.

KNOWING THE ENEMY

As nature lovers, we appreciate that all plants have their place, but unfortunately, the arum lily has no place here. This South African succulent herb may look striking with its white flowers and dark green foliage, but it presents several major issues.

  • It aggressively outcompetes native plants for resources and replaces diverse plant communities with dense monocultures of a single species.
  • It reduces food availability for native wildlife.
  • It is poisonous to most stock, pets and people.
  • It affects farmers’ livelihoods by endangering their animals and competing with pasture plants.
  • It threatens the natural beauty and biodiversity on which the Margaret River region’s reputation and economy hinges.

This devastating weed now runs rampant across the region, but how did it get this bad?

IDENTIFYING THE OBSTACLES

One of the big issues we’re up against is – well, let’s face it – it’s pretty. Many have become accustomed to seeing this introduced species; some have even grown to like it. But we’re of the mentality that real beauty is in healthy ecosystems and biodiversity. That’s the mentality this blitz will be encouraging.

The other major challenge has historically been a lack of coordination in control activities. Since 2012, Nature Conservation has worked with 300-odd landholders to control arum lily across 3500 hectares. This has been in addition to separate Government-driven activities on Crown land. However, without coordinated, concerted and sustained efforts across the region, it has proven near-impossible to snuff out this fast-growing, easily spread weed.

In 2018, Nature Conservation partnered with DBCA in developing the Arum Lily Management Plan for the Margaret River Region, which offers clear direction, a coordinated approach and outlines priorities for the 2018-28 period. The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River, City of Busselton, Lower Blackwood LCDC, Yallingup LCDC and the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association have also signed onto the blitz. But there is one critical piece of the puzzle remaining: You.

RECRUITING OUR ARMY

Whether you own a massive rural property, rent a modest suburban 4×2 or are only passing through for a season, we’re inviting everyone to get involved. We are asking you to register as a participant in the blitz so we can let you know about assistance, keep you informed on progress, and so we can track where arum lily control is being undertaken. This will allow us to recruit other properties in your area, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of reinfestation. It also demonstrates participant numbers to our funding bodies, helping our chances of future funding for ongoing work.

REGISTER TO JOIN THE ARUM LILY BLITZ

WANT TO GET STARTED?

If you plan to undertake arum lily spraying yourself we can help by providing free herbicide, and a list of suppliers providing discounted spray supplies and equipment to landholders registered with the Arum Lily Blitz.

If you prefer to outsource the job, follow the link below for a list of recommended contractors who are not only experienced and careful but will also provide a discount to registered participants.

You can use the Arum Lily Blitz Information Sheet to share information about the blitz with others so that we get as many people involved as possible.

The Herbicide Application Record can be used by you or your spray contractor to record the work done. This data will enable us to monitor control being undertaken across the region and evaluate the success of the blitz.

We recommend that you take some before and after photos and there is information about this in the Guide to Arum Lily Control.

Information on free herbicide

Recommended spray contractors

Guide to Arum Lily Control

ARUM LILY BLITZ Information Sheet

Herbicide Application Record