Four community pest management groups have been offered grants by the State Government to tackle pests and weeds infesting Victoria’s landscapes and waterways.
Totalling $250,000, the grants will see the Victorian Rabbit Action Network, Victorian Blackberry Taskforce, Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party, and Victorian Gorse Taskforce each receive funding from the Partnerships Against Pests program.
Supported by the Government’s Backing Victoria’s Producers initiative, the Partnerships Against Pests program is aimed at generating long-term, community-based partnerships that focus on reducing the impacts of established weeds and pests. Such impacts include the damage to and of landscapes and waterways, international market access, and culturally sensitive sites of First Nations, and production loss.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence announced the grants earlier this month, stating they would help lower the $869 million annual cost in managing established weeds and pest animals for landowners across the state.
“Community-led action is critical in the fight against weeds and pests, using local and innovative knowledge to implement initiatives that work best for them and their priorities,” she said.
“We’re supporting our vibrant ecosystem by backing sustainable, long-term solutions to established weeds and pest animals management to prevent damage to our landscapes, waterways, and agriculture industry.”
Since its launch last year, the program has delivered a total of $690,000 in grants. The second round of funding will be used for projects that raise awareness and encourage active management of established invasive species across the state.
The Victorian Gorse Taskforce and the Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party will use their $85,000 grant to expand their network, and train members in weed identification and best-practice management.
For more information, visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity.
