Input on road pest and weed plans

PEOPLE are being encouraged to give their feedback on roadside pest and weed problems across the Golden Plains Shire.

Municipal officers are developing a three-year roadside weeds and pests control plan with the aim of locating and responding to the species creating the biggest issues along the region’s roads.

Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham said feedback and ideas will assist with identifying priority areas for action, and finding declared weeds like serrated tussock, gorse, blackberry, sweet briar, boxthorn, and hawthorn.

“I encourage residents from all across the Shire to consider their local roadsides and identify any invasive weeds and pests that may be affecting the native flora and fauna across our Shire,” he said.

“Council is committed to tackling invasive weeds and pests, which change the natural diversity and balance of ecological communities, threatening the survival of many native plants and animals.

“Contributions from council’s roadside weed control program has so far seen roadside weed control of more than 1600 kilometres of the Shire’s roadsides, a number we aim to keep growing.”

Municipal roadside weed control measures come under a wider Victorian preventative initiative, the Roadside Weeds and Pests Program, which is aiming to stop the rural spread of invasive weeds and pests.

The new control plan has received more than $48,000 worth of State funding as part of that program, and once written, will need Agriculture Victoria’s endorsement.

The survey is open until Monday 25 September, 5pm, and can completed via the Shire’s website, while hard copies are available from the municipal offices at Bannockburn and Smythesdale.