Yarra Ranges Council is urging the community to not pick or eat blackberries while it sprays them during their growth period (November to April), which helps limit the spread of the noxious weed.
Council, including other agencies and private landholders, are obliged to target and limit the spread of blackberries under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.
Blackberries are recognised as a Weed of National Significance (WoNS) in Australia due to its high degree of invasiveness, its aggressive spread, and its economic and environmental impacts.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins said the blackberry eradication is a normal and necessary exercise undertaken by Council every year.
"We only have a small window of opportunity to treat the weed to get the best results during its active growth period," said Cr Higgins. "The plant then remains dormant for the rest of the year during the cooler months.
"Blackberries are also a threat to our agricultural and natural ecosystems by dominating other crops and native vegetation.
"The spray that's used is heavily-diluted, with no scientific evidence of impact to animals that eat the berries, but we strongly urge the community not to consume the berries, just to be safe."
Council's priority is to treat blackberries prior to their fruiting season from January-March, however, some spraying will occasionally need to take place while the weed is fruiting, due to its rapid growth across the region.
When spraying does take place, advisory signs are placed on site. For any queries into blackberry eradication, please contact Council's Bushland Team on 1300 368 333.
