Yarra Ranges Council is urging the community not to pick or eat blackberries during their growth period (between now and April), as they are being sprayed to limit the spread of the noxious weed.
The council, private landholders and other agencies are required to target and limit the spread of blackberries under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.
Bushland team members have a small window of opportunity to treat the weed to get the best results, with the plant then being dormant for the rest of the year during cooler months.
The spray that is used is heavily-diluted, with no scientific evidence showing an impact to animals that eat the berries.
Despite this, the council still urges the community to not consume the berries, just to be safe.
Blackberries are recognised as a Weed of National Significance (WoNS) in Australia due to its high degree of invasiveness, its aggressive spread, and its economic and environmental impacts.
Blackberries can threaten agricultural and natural ecosystems by dominating other crops in its vicinity as well as natural vegetation.
The council’s priority is to treat the blackberries before they fruit from January to March, however, some spraying occasionally needs to take place while the weed does fruit, due to rapid growth in the region.
Advisory signs are in place at sites of spraying. For more information contact the council’s bushland team on 1300 368 333.
