Tara Murray
Abseiling specialists got a close up look of the famous Organ Pipes as they completed weed control on and above the well known feature.
The basalt columns that make up the pipes, were formed about a million years ago when huge quantities of molten lava were ejected from volcanoes near what is now Sunbury and flowed over the Keilor Plains.
Across four days, the specialists used a cut and paint technique to cut a pest plant off at its base and immediately apply a registered herbicide to the remaining stump off the columns.
Some of the weeds were then lowered to the base of the rock feature to be retrieved and disposed of by rangers.
The wheel cactus was zip-lined across Jacksons Creek, to be retrieved by rangers and solarised within the Organ Pipes Park.
Parks Victoria ranger team leader Steven Cantwell said that contractors removed a number of different plants.
“This work will prevent further spread of these noxious species and encourage natural regeneration of indigenous species,” he said.
“The roots from these woody weeds can also get into the cracks of the columns, causing them to expand and potentially break apart if not controlled.
“Our aim is to protect the ecological, cultural and natural significance of this popular site within the park.
“This work – facilitated by Brimbank City Council and funded by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning – has no impact on the feature itself, as contractors are anchored from the top of the escarpment directly above the columns.”
