The Forest Pest Management (FPM) Research Consortium will host its fourth Annual Field Day, providing participants with guided access to a range of pest and weed management research trials in forestry plantations, along with demonstrations and facilitated discussions aligned with current FPM Research Consortium activities.
The field day aims to showcase key findings from ongoing research and to stimulate discussion around the future direction of pest and weed management in forestry plantations. Trial sites are located in the Otways region and are managed by Midway Limited. The FPM Research Consortium is funded through Forest & Wood Products Australia.
Date: Wednesday, 18 February 2026
Location: Colac Otway Performing Arts & Cultural Centre, 95-97 Gellibrand St, Colac VIC 3250
Cost: Free
Meals:
- Coffee and tea can be purchased before arrival
- Lunch will be provided (dietary requirements can be accommodated on request)
- Participants are encouraged to bring a water bottle
Transport:
- Free parking is available at start location
- Carpooling, local forestry personnel will provide 10 vehicles transporting up to 3 passengers/vehicle
- Self-drive, high clearance is preferred due to occasional travel on gravel roads
- Field visits will be conducted in convoy
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
This field day involves travel and walking within operational forestry plantation environments. All participants are required* to bring and wear the following mandatory PPE at all field sites:
- Hard hat
- High-visibility long-sleeve shirt
-
Long pants
- Steel-capped safety boots
Participants are also strongly encouraged to bring weather-appropriate gear, including jackets, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
*Failure to comply with PPE requirements may result in exclusion from field activities.
Program (in AEDT)
8:00 am – Meet at COPACC – Colac Otway Performing Arts & Cultural Centre
8:15 am – Travel to STOP 1 – Barclay Plantation (Midway), Murnanes Track East, Irrewillipe
9:00 am – STOP 1: Recently established post-plant weed control trial (eucalypt plantations)
9:45 am – STOP 2: Replacement of alpha-cypermethrin for chrysomelid control (eucalypt plantations)
10:30 am – Travel to STOP 3 – Greenfields Plantation (Midway), Bookook Road, Cooriemungle
11:15 am – STOP 3: One-year-old post-plant weed control trial
12:00 pm – Travel to Lunch stop Lavers Hill
12:45 pm – Lunch
1:30 pm – Travel to STOP 4 – Barramunga Plantation (Midway), Forrest–Apollo Bay Road, Barramunga
2:15 pm – STOP 4: Two-year-old post-plant weed control trial
3:15 pm – Travel back to COPACC – Colac Otway Performing Arts & Cultural Centre
3:45 pm – End of field day
Accessibility: The field day will involve periods of walking and standing within operational plantation environments, including travel over uneven ground and unsealed surfaces. Participants with accessibility requirements, health considerations, or who wish to discuss alternative participation arrangements are encouraged to contact the organisers prior to the event.
Registrations close: 5 PM AEST Friday 13 February 2026
