With the development of Citic Pacific’s flagship project on Mardie Station in the West Pilbara region, a unique opportunity existed to access offset funds from the company to support mesquite management on the greater pastoral lease.

Mardie Station houses the single largest infestation of mesquite in Australia, covering 2/3 of the 225,000 pastoral grazing lease. This includes an extremely dense infestation on the mouth of the Fortescue River (45,000 ha) and threatening population at the mouth of the Robe River (21,000 ha). The population is comprised of a hybrid mix of species, which has given it extra robustness in surviving in the semi-arid conditions of the Pilbara.

In partnership with Citic Pacific Mining and Pastoral Management, we have developed a strategic plan for containing and controlling mesquite on Mardie Station. It incorporates elements of strategic fencing and stock management, spatial mapping, chemical control, mechanical control and monitoring to limit the risk of spread of mesquite and gradually reduce its distribution and density across the station.

Significant work has been undertaken since this plan was put into action in 2011, using both herbicides and machinery to control mesquite. Table 1 details the outcomes of the herbicide control program of mesquite at Mardie Station since inception in 2011.

Table 1: Data collected during the herbicide control program of mesquite at Mardie Station since 2011.

Additionally, 835 hectares of moderate to dense mesquite has been treated during this time.

With the secured 10 year commitment put in place by CITIC Pacific Mining, we now have the best opportunity to make a real difference in controlling mesquite at Mardie Station.