Castlemaine 2026 Autumn Weed Control

HVP Plantations will soon be undertaking drone‑based weed control in the Castlemaine Plantations at Barkers Creek. Areas are now being prepared for plantation re‑establishment (Preplant) and woody weed control will continue in young stands (post plant). The operations are planned to occur between 23rd March and 31th May 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 (https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/about/contact-us) and include the active ingredients; post plant: Clopyralid. Preplant: Metsulfuron and Glyphosate.

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.

A map of the treatment area is displayed below. You can view via Google Maps HERE.

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;  or
• message HVP Plantation via our website: https://www.hvp.com.au/contact-us/