THE highly invasive weed wheel cactus – also known as Opuntia robusta – is classified as a Weed of National Significance. 
It is a scourge that has been plaguing the lands of Mount Buckrabanyule and surrounding areas for the past few decades. It is an invasive weed that is not only detrimental to the ecology of the area, but it can also be a hazard to the people and animals who live and work in the area. 
Just 17 years ago, the cactus was a rarity on the mountain, but now it is spreading rapidly and has become a huge problem. It is estimated that there are millions of these cacti on the mountain and are quickly spreading to crown, public, and private lands, with control measures slipping and not keeping up with the spread.
The cactus is a hardy plant that can survive in almost any environment, making it easy to spread and difficult to control. 
Flowering annually the seeds of the fruit can easily spread through the environment. This happens when birds, animals, and other creatures eat the fruit and then travel to different locations and leave the seeds behind. 
The environment also helps to spread the seeds of the fruit. 
Rain and wind carry the seeds away, and the soil helps to keep them safe until the right conditions come for the seeds to germinate.
Reproducing quickly, cacti can live for up to 20 years, meaning that the problem is only going to get worse if it is not dealt with urgently.
The cactus is a problem for both people and animals. Its sharp spines can cause injury to humans, while its thick foliage can restrict the movement of animals and impact on their grazing habits. It also shades out and kills native vegetation, leading to a decrease in biodiversity and an increase in soil erosion.
It’s important to understand that these individual problems often form part of a much larger issue that can quickly spiral out of control if left unchecked.
For example, a single wheel cactus, while seemingly a small addition to a residential garden, can lead to large problems if not controlled and the fruit disposed of appropriately. These cacti can proliferate quickly, leading to an overgrowth of the plant in the area. 
This may result in a decrease in a residential area’s property value, as well as an increased risk of fire access. To ensure the safety of a residential area, it is essential to remove any cacti that may be located in the area. 
Cacti can cause a lot of damage to a residential area if they are not taken care of properly. 
Therefore, if there are cacti located in the residential area, it is important to take the necessary steps to remove them before they can cause further damage. 
Removing cacti can be done in a few different ways. First, one can use a shovel to dig up the cacti and then dispose of them properly. Second, one can use herbicides to kill the cacti. Finally, one can use a combination of methods, such as digging up the cacti and then using herbicides to ensure that they are completely removed. 
Regardless of the method used, it is important to remove the cacti before causing further damage to the area.
The Loddon Plains Landcare Network is a regional organisation that brings together local landholders and community members to tackle the wheel cactus problem in the region. 
The network has several member groups that are dedicated to the ongoing Wheel cactus problem in the area.
These groups have been working together to develop and implement a range of management strategies, such as mechanical removal, chemical control, and biological control. These groups work together to ensure that the environment is protected and restored to its natural state. 
The main focus of their efforts is the chemical injection of the cactus to control its spread.
This is especially important in the Kamarooka, Loddon Goldfields and Wychitella areas. Mount Korong Eco Watch has had great success in controlling weeds in the Mount Korong area, and the Wychitella and Districts Landcare group at Buckrabunyule and Wedderburn CMN have also been active in weed control. 
Further afield, the Tarrengower Cactus Warriors have been working tirelessly to fight the weed problem in the region. 
The Loddon Plains Landcare Network is committed to preserving the local environment and will continue to work hard to protect the region for years to come.
Ultimately, it is important to take a step back and look at the bigger picture when it comes to environmental issues. 
It is easy to think that one plant, or a particular polluting event, doesn’t make much of a difference, but the truth is that it can have a much larger impact on the environment in the long run. 
Being aware of the bigger picture is the first step in taking action to protect the environment and ensure a healthy future for us all.
- ANDREW PERRYMAN, LPLN