Tackling roadside weeds

The Victorian Government has announced a further $11.5 million in funding over the next four years for the Roadside Weeds and Pests Control Program, providing more protection for agriculture, farms and the environment.

This year 56 councils will receive between $5000 and $75,000 to manage invasive plants and pests along municipal rural roadsides, with the program to be revised annually.

Weeds like serrated tussock and blackberries cost the Victorian economy more than $900 million each year as they have the potential to spread very quickly, resulting in serious negative impacts on agricultural production, as well as contributing to the spread of fires.

Recent drought has accelerated the presence and spread of new and emerging weeds that can threaten native biodiversity.

In the past 12 months, Gannawarra Shire Council inspected about 600 km of roadside and treated 266.5 km for weeds and pests.

Species targeted include rabbits, foxes, boxthorn, blackberry, briar rose, silver leaf nightshade, olive, wild cherry and khaki weed.

Local Government Victoria and Agriculture Victoria work closely with local councils in ensuring plans to tackle weeds and pests are tailored to their local area and appropriate funding is allocated to fulfil each strategy.

For more details, visit: www.localgov ernment.vic.gov.au/fundingprograms/ roadside-weeds-and-pest-management