A comprehensive spraying program was required to manage the road verge weeds infestation along a section of the Portland Roads Road from the top of “Red Hill” to “3 Ways” and then along a 30-kilometre stretch of road from the Iron Range Ranger base to “Portland Roads” with an additional 6 kilometres of the access road into Chilli Beach also infested. In addition, spot spraying of noxious plants and guinea grass clumps needed to be conducted on river flats and river and creek crossings. 

A comprehensive roadside spraying program was be undertaken in early 2013 using a commercial spray vehicle and the herbicides Glyphosate and Conqueror. Further spot spraying of weeds and guinea grass was be carried out in river and creek crossings. An ongoing monitoring and spot spraying program will continued through the wet season as required.

Cook Shire council sollicited the supply of some chemicals from its  reserves and 110 litres extcess was also purchased. In-kind support was provided by Cook Shire Council Parks and Gardens department; Queensland National Parks, Iron Range Ranger unit; Kuuku Ya'u rangers; and the Cook Shire Agent at Portland Roads, Greg Westcott.