CONTAMINATED soil was spread on several nature strips within Wyndham Vale last week, almost causing “an invasion by of one of Australia’s worst weeds,” according to the Department of Primary Industries.

The DPI said a contractor spread contaminated soil, which contained seeds from the serrated tussock weed, across Wyndham Vale nature strips.

Serrated tussock is classified as a regionally controlled weed in the Port Phillip catchment.

A DPI statement said the pesky plant can have a “devastating affect” on Australian pastures and reduce biodiversity in native grasslands.

The DPI said because a resident had notified the DPI about the problem, it and Wyndham City Council were able to respond quickly.

The DPI’s serrated tussock co-ordinator, Chelsea Wardrope, said once the weed was established within a lawn or garden, it became “very difficult and expensive to control.”

“Each mature plant grows to about 60 centimetres in width and height and can produce more than 100,000 seeds. The seeds can remain viable in the soil for up to 15 years,” she said.

“When he was made aware the soil was contaminated with serrated tussock seed, the contractor was very co-operative and apologetic for his actions.”

Ms Wardrope said the council’s staff were working with the contractor to replace the soil.

“If serrated tussock had established on these nature strips, it would not only have threatened the vegetation in residential gardens and the nearby Lollypop Creek, but seed could easily have been transported by vehicles to ‘clean’ areas of the state where serrated tussock has not been found,” Ms Wardrope said.

For more information on serrated tussock contact the DPI on 136 186.