Pink dye marks where Pyp Grass has been sprayed with herbicide.

Over the coming weeks some vegetation areas around the town of Jurien Bay will be dyed pink. The pink dye indicates where spraying of Pyp Grass (Ehrharta villosa) has commenced to eradicate this invasive weed from the Jurien Bay township.

Pyp Grass is an aggressive invasive weed that is known to smother and replace important native vegetation species that naturally occur within dune systems.

Dr Mic Payne, NACC’s Coastal and Marine Program Coordinator explained that dunes infested with Pyp Grass are more susceptible to erosion caused by wind, waves and unmanaged visitor access.

“Jurien Bay’s beaches, coastal infrastructure and tourism all rely on healthy dunes protected by native vegetation,” said Dr Payne.

Contractors spraying Pyp Grass at the infestation site at Shingle Avenue.

The current Pyp Grass eradication work is part of the Jurien Bay Pyp Grass Management Plan, development of which involved members of the local Jurien Bay Herbarium Group. Group members assisted in surveying vegetation present in Pyp Grass infested areas and monitoring the success of treatment for future management actions.

NACC encourages the community to assist in managing Pyp Grass by keeping an eye out for further infestations.

To get a copy of the Jurien Bay Pyp Grass Management Plan or to get involved in the project please contact Dr Mic Payne on 9938 0123 or Michael.Payne@nacc.com.au

This project is supported by NACC, through funding from the Australian Government.