Gorse is daunting, working together makes it easier.

THE distinctive yellow flowers of gorse are appearing across the Ballarat region. Gorse is a difficult weed with its numerous long-lived seed – 30 years-plus – the main problem.

The tiny seeds can be easily picked up by vehicle tyres, graders or moved in contaminated soil so spreading the problem wider.

Members of the Snake Valley community were feeling overwhelmed by gorse. The Victorian Gorse Taskforce’s gorse ambassador for the area, Nick Moll, worked with the Upper Mount Emu Creek Landcare Network facilitator Lyn Heenan to help bring a gorse ‘community of practice’ together.

“Prior to the Snake Valley Gorse community of practice commencing, landholders were at a loss to know what to do, particularly as a collective group. The program has provided the necessary momentum. It has been invaluable for galvanising landholder interest and engagement in gorse control,” said Heenan.

The Upper Mount Emu Creek Landcare Network has supported the Mag Dam Committee of Management and the Snake Valley community to participate in the Victorian Gorse Taskforce’s pilot gorse community of practice program.

This program is a new approach for the VGT, and the early indications are promising.

“The community of practice approach has enabled strong community ties to form around tackling this dominant weed in the Snake Valley district. The energy of working together, developing skills and knowledge, reducing fire risk, increasing land values and improving the environment is creating enthusiasm for the next stages as they emerge,” said Heenan.

As part of the pilot, a free chemical use course (ACUP) was held on 30 and 31 May attracting more than 15 Snake Valley land managers.

A free ‘gorse festival’ will now be held on 14 June starting at the Snake Valley Community Hall.

There will be guest speakers, information on controlling gorse, property mapping, a paddock ‘walk and talk’, and a fun event to finish it off. A free lunch will be provided. Register with Lyn Heenan, [email protected]

“Gorse is daunting when you face it alone. The VGT is a strong supporter of helping communities come together to find solutions that suit their area,” said Moll.

The Victorian Gorse Taskforce’s Community of Practice program is funded through the Victorian government’s Partnerships Against Pests Program.

For more information email [email protected]

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