Weeding out invasive plants

NEW funding has been announced to support the Golden Plains Shire’s efforts to eradicate roadside weeds.

As part of the State Government’s Roadside Weeds and Pests Program, the Shire received just over $50,000 to support its existing control measures.

Shire mayor Cr Helena Kirby said the program will “help support the native flora and fauna” across the municipality.

“Council is committed to protecting the rural environment that make our Shire such a beautiful place to live and controlling invasive weeds on our roadsides is key to allowing these native plants and animals to flourish and protecting the agriculture sector from the impacts of invasive weeds,” she said.

“This funding will allow council to continue its successful roadside weed control program, which saw invasive weeds controlled across more than 1500 kilometres of Golden Plains Shire roadsides in 2020.”

Plants such as serrated tussock, gorse, blackberry, broom, sweet briar and hawthorn are of concern throughout the Shire, as they cause survival problems to native plants and animals.

The statewide program will see $11.5 million in funding delivered over four years across Victoria, with 56 councils already receiving money this year.

Acting Minster for Local Government Mary-Anne Thomas said the State Government will be working closely with municipalities during the program.

“Weeds and pests along rural roadsides have the potential to wreak havoc on native plant species, the control program will help councils tackle this really important work in coming months,” she said.

“Roadside weeds and pests can cost our farmers millions of dollars each year, so it’s an investment in prevention that pays massive dividends across the state.”

According to the State Government, weeds such as serrated tussock and blackberries cost the Victorian economy over $900 million each year in agricultural loss and can contribute to the spread of fires.