SOUTHERN Downs Regional Council pest control officers will be visiting properties for a 3 months period from 23 August 2012 to 23 November 2012 to check for instances of declared plant pests as part of a series of rotational inspections of the whole region.

This survey will monitor the distribution and spread of declared pests across the region, with particular emphasis on Cherry Gully and Dalveen east of the highway in the Northern area and Wallangarra, Storm King and Eukey in the Southern area.

The survey will include all declared pests with a high priority on African Boxthorn, Honey Locust, Groundsel, Devil rope pear, Harrisia Cactus, Tree pear and Firethorn, Weedy Sporobolous grasses and Blackberry.

"Pest plants can be extremely harmful to both livestock and agriculture", said Tim O'Brien, Manager Environmental Services. 

"Controlling declared pests, whether plant or animal, is part of Council's commitment to an environmentally sustainable Southern Downs."

"Council will work with landholders to promote best practice in the treatment of declared pests based on ecologically and socially responsible practices," he said.

"To assist landowners with plant pest control, Council has large pumps and spray units that are available for hire at reasonable rates," Mr O'Brien advised. 

"Residents should also let Council know if they notice pest plants on road reserves."

Council works with Landcare and other environmental groups to assist them with field days and plant pest education programs. 

If you have a group that would like assistance please call 07 4661 0300 or 07 4681 5500.

More information on plant pests can be found on the Department of Primary Industry website at http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/home.htm.