Willows Cactus is now a declared pest species in the Goondiwindi Region

The Willows Cactus is now a declared pest species within the Goondiwindi Region.

A new local law means residents must report any instances of the cactus on their property and prohibits anyone from bringing the species into the local government area.

Goondiwindi Regional Council resolved to amend a local law to prohibit the Willows Cactus – also known as the Cereus Cactus (Cereus Uruguayanus) - during its April Ordinary Meeting. The new law grants Council greater ability to eradicate the species within the Goondiwindi Region and requires residents to remove the cactus from their homes, gardens and paddocks.

Councillor Susie Kelly holds Council’s portfolio for rural services and said changing the status of the species was a key step in preventing it from becoming “the next Harrisia”.

“We’re dealing with a pest species that has the potential to become as prolific and destructive in the Goondiwindi Region as the Harrisia Cactus,” Cr Kelly said. “Willows Cactus is an emerging species and its numbers are on the rise locally – so we needed to act quickly to recognise that fact in local law before it becomes too prolific to be controlled.

“Council’s priority is now the eradication of the Willows Cactus from our region and this change in local law will now allow that to happen. It’s a responsible move to protect our local environment.”

Residents are now required to report any Willows Cactus on their property (garden or paddock) to Council on (07) 4671 7400. Council will then work with residents to help them to dispose of the cactus. If you are unsure whether a cactus is Willows or a different species, Council staff can also assist with identification.

Specialised disposal stations are now available at the Inglewood and Texas waste facilities. Residents in other towns should not dispose of the cactus at their local waste facility, but should instead contact Council.

Residents are urged to familiarise themselves with the species in the first instance. For help with identification and more information, visit www.grc.qld.gov.au/pest-weeds/willows-cactus.

Council is now implementing a subsidised herbicide control program to assist rural landholders to treat self-seeded Willows Cactus on private property (funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments as part of the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative), and is also currently treating the species on all Council roads and land where it has been reported as part of its annual herbicide program.

Willows is already known to be present in some areas around Yelarbon and Texas, with the worst cases to the north and northwest of Inglewood. There are also reports that it has recently been sighted around Toobeah and Talwood.

“Unfortunately, we know that Willows Cactus is often available to buy on social media and in nurseries outside the region, so our local people need to be careful whenever they purchase pots of decorative cactus,” Cr Kelly said.

The species is easy to recognise, with no leaves and thick, succulent branches arising from a short, woody trunk that can grow up to 15 m tall. The branches have prominent ribs, which can appear broken and wavy, and spines that grow in groups of 5 – 10. Willows Cactus typically blooms at night - the flowers are white and up to 25 cm long. The fruit is a berry that can be yellowish-pink, pink or red, and is white inside with small black seeds.

• For more information, visit: www.grc.qld.gov.au/pest-weeds/willows-cactus