The Victorian Government is set to provide additional funding to the Roadside Weeds and Pests program, helping councils across the state to better prepare for the upcoming fire season.
Victorian Acting Minister for Local Government, Melissa Horne, announced 45 councils would receive up to $85,000 each to help manage harmful weeds and pests along rural and regional roads.
Councils can use the funding for a range of activities, such as treating and preventing the spread of harmful weeds including blackberry, boxthorn and serrated tussock. Councils can also use the funding to manage rabbit populations.
Local Government Victoria and Agriculture Victoria will work closely with each council to ensure plans to tackle weeds and pests are tailored to their local area.
Invasive plant and animal species threaten native biodiversity and can have a serious negative impact on agricultural production.
Horne said, “Reducing roadside weeds and pests is vital for protecting lives and properties in the lead up to the fire season, which is why we’re helping councils to manage these invasive species.”
Victorian Acting Minister for Agriculture, Gayle Tierney, said, “Through controlling the population and spread of these roadside weeds and pests, we could potentially save our farmers and economy millions of dollars each year.”
More information on the Roadside Weeds and Pests Program can be found on localgovernment.vic.gov.au.
