Weeding out the pest

THE Surf Coast Shire is accepting feedback on their Pest, Plants and Animal Strategy 2019-2022.

The strategy seeks to prevent emerging pest plant and animal infestations and to minimise the impact of established pests. The council is also looking to provide adequate support to Landcare as they work together in pest management.

Some of the biggest plant threats facing the shire at the moment are Cape tulip, African weed orchid and Chilean and Texan needle grasses.

The shire’s general manager of environment and development Ransce Salan said the Council was eager to be proactive in its management of pests.

“Much of our focus is on prevention being better than cure, and on intercepting new and emerging pests.”
He said the council would look for community engagement beyond feedback on the strategy.

“Strategy goals relate directly to working with community groups, supporting capacity-building and events including field days, such as the Winchelsea Land and River Care Group’s recent rabbit field day earlier in the year and its forthcoming weed day.

“It is important to note that Council owns or manages only about one per cent of land in the shire, so working closely with landowners and groups on pest plant and animal management issues is critical to success.”

Council is accepting feedback until Tuesday, October 8.

To look at the strategy and give feedback, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/About-us/Your-Say.