Castlemaine 2026 Spring Weed Control

November 2, 2026

HVP Plantations will soon be undertaking drone‑based weed control in the Castlemaine Plantations at Barkers Creek. Areas are now being prepared for post plant weed control in young stands. The operations are planned to occur between 05th November and 18th November 2026 during suitable weather conditions.

Weed control is carried out to manage weeds and to support the healthy establishment and growth of our new trees and to reduce competition of woody weeds in the early phase of development. This standard practice generally occurs once or twice at the beginning of each plantation rotation.

The products to be used by HVP Plantations are registered for use in Victoria and approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority and regulated by Agriculture Victoria and include the active ingredients; post plant: Clopyralid and Clethodim.

The drone which is monitored and operated on site is equipped with advanced application technology and satellite‑guided positioning (GPS) to ensure precise and accurate delivery of products. Strict operational controls, especially regarding weather and spray conditions will be followed throughout the process using weather meters to regularly monitor conditions to mitigate the risks of offsite impacts. Buffer zones are employed and ensure the operation is safe and contained to the operational area and away from neighbouring properties, dwellings and waterways.

Safety

HVP takes safety seriously, please note the following:

• The worksite shown on the map will be closed to all public access for the duration of the operations. This includes the Goldfields Walking Track.
• The worksite remains closed while workplace signage is in place. This includes vehicles, bikes and pedestrians.
• Worksites are hazardous, and risk to people’s safety are not always obvious.
• Thank you for following the direction of all signage and forest operators.

For further information, to provide feedback, or to become a stakeholder, please:

• contact our Ballarat Silviculture team: phone (03) 5339 0000;
• message HVP Plantation via our website: https://www.hvp.com.au/contact-us/