Rubber vine is a weed and regarded as one of the worst in Australia.

The three men took precautions to manage the heat by arriving at the site in the late afternoon before setting up camp near West Leichhardt Station.

President of the Group, Mark Van Ryt said heat can be managed by starting any activity after mid-afternoon and winding up by mid-morning the next day.

“We were on site by 5pm, and started treating the regrowth, after the initial burn off in March 2018,” Mr Van Ryt said.

“The Eastern bank of the creek had an established vine and the seed pods had already opened up and dispersed.

“The importance of capturing the vines before the seeds can open up is crucial,” he said.

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As the men made their way along the creek, Mr Van Ryt said they saw, in a few places, shoots springing up from deeper roots.

The men treated the affected area by using various methods, one of which was their cut and spray method.

“Hundreds of smaller new seedlings were simply pulled by hand out of the soft sand.”

“Fire was out of the question at this time due to a total fire ban.,” he said.

With their pruners and a six litre knapsack of herbicide they traveled to another known “hot spot”.

“Every time we come back, there is less rubber vine, and the task becomes quicker and easier.”

“There are another four hot spots on the creek that we need to revisit.”

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