The Federal Government has announced funding to import a weevil from South Africa that scientists believe could be a potential biological control to combat fireweed.
Fireweed is a yellow daisy-like weed, found on properties along coastal NSW, that can take over pastures and poison livestock.
The CSIRO has received $291,500 for the importation and additional testing of the South African stem-boring weevil ahead of any release onto farms.
Cattle and sheep farmer and convener of the Bega Valley Fireweed Association Noel Watson said it had been a 15-year-long campaign to find a biocontrol option for landholders.
"Fireweed is one of the major problems in the Bega Valley and it virtually runs all the way up the coast to Queensland, it's heading inland as well to some degree," he said.
"It's a terrific breeder and a poisonous plant to go with it."
Initially scientists and farmers believed a South African flea beetle could be the most suitable candidate for a biological control agent, but it failed during the testing process.
Despite the setbacks, Mr Watson was optimistic about the stem-boring weevil.
"I'd like to think it's a winner, but you can never be too sure of these things," Mr Watson said.
"We did have a flea beetle on the go a few years back.
"Unfortunately it laid eggs on a native plant but it didn't really attack it, so that became a no-no and so we put that one aside."
Scientists cautious about testing and release timeline
Research scientist with the CSIRO Ben Gooden said while the science behind biological control research often took many years it could provide a long-term benefit for landholders if successful.
"It should take us between one and a half to two and a half years at least to get an indication of the potential suitability of the insect," Dr Gooden said.
Dr Gooden said there were still tests needed to make sure the weevil would not affect native species.
"The purpose of the testing is about the safety of the insect," he said.
"And that work is done in quarantine under strict regulatory conditions.
"We identify in Australia the native species most closely related to fireweed, and that should tell us fairly quickly the suitability or the safety of the insect for potential release in future."
