Kempsey Shire Council, in partnership with Local Land Services (LLS), will be hosting the workshops at the Willawarrin Community Hall on Friday, March 10 from 9.30am until 2pm and at the Gladstone Community Hall on Friday, March 17 from 9.30am until 2pm.

Topics to be covered at both sessions include tropical soda apple in the upper Macleay, weeds, pest animals, the best grazing methods, native vegetation rules, coastal projects and flood planning. Lunch and morning tea will be supplied at both sessions.

The council’s Weeds Officer, Greg Egan, said local residents wanting to be more proactive about agricultural management will benefit by coming along to the sessions.

“Workshops often raise new ideas and lead to good discussions between participants and presenters,” Mr Egan said.

“Having a range of experts in the one room allows local landholders to learn about different topics and ask questions.

“They can also network with other landholders who may have similar concerns as everyone has different levels of experience and ideas.”

Anyone interested in attending should RSVP to Greg Egan at greg.egan@kempsey.nsw.gov.au or 6566 3200 or to Hugo Maree at Local Land Services on 6563 6707 or hugo.marree@lls.nsw.gov.au

The council recently undertook the Cockspur Coral Tree Control Project with some funding from the LLS, which saw weed contractors treat the tree between Aldavilla and Austral Eden.

Mr Egan said thanks to one resident, who called the council in December to advise of a large Cockspur Coral Tree at Aldavilla, the council was able to remove it and prevent it from spreading onto the roadside and any neighbouring properties.

Residents who see the tree growing, particularly in residential areas, should contact the council on 6566 3200.