Boost to tussock campaign

By Lachlan Ellis

Six community groups fighting pests and weeds, including one operating here in Moorabool, have received grants under a new Agriculture Victoria program.

Last month, Biosecurity Victoria Executive Director Katherine Clift announced $190,000 in grants for the Partnership Against Pests pilot program to help protect Victoria’s $17.5 billion agriculture industry from biosecurity threats.

The targeted pilot program will deliver $40,000 each to Victoria’s four established statewide Community Pest Management Groups (CPMGs) – Victorian Rabbit Action Network, Victorian Gorse Taskforce, Victorian Blackberry Taskforce and Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP).

The latter, VSTWP, has a strong presence in Moorabool Shire, as much of the area between Melbourne, Geelong, and Ballarat is severely affected by serrated tussock infestation.

Ivan Carter from the VSTWP said the funding was crucial in the group’s efforts to teach locals, and people across Victoria, how to deal with the weed.

“The VSTWP will benefit from increased extension activities to landowners affected by Serrated Tussock, where we deliver one to one advice and education to landowners. We will be using the $40,000 to deliver extension to landowners affected by Serrated Tussock around the Kyneton South region, which is a new and emerging area. We will host a field day also, and do a media campaign around the region,” Mr Carter told the Moorabool News.

Mr Carter said funding had been difficult over the past few years, but the VSTWP was very grateful for Agriculture Victoria’s support for the group’s education and engagement.

“We get a number of enquires every week from landowners desperate to control their serrated tussock, so the funding will help us reach more landowners and ensure a greater level of control across Victoria,” he said.

“Grants allow us to collaborate with local government and landcare, to ensure a stronger message across the community about serrated tussock impacts and how to prevent further spread.”

Biosecurity Victoria Executive Director Katherine Clift said a strong biosecurity was “is not only good for our agriculture industries, but also protects our wildlife, environment and way of life”.
“The Partnership against Pests grants will enhance the participation and delivery of coordinated pest animal management activities and offer improved outcomes for everyone. The long-term management of established pests and weeds requires collaboration across community, industry and government,” Ms Clift said.
Access to future grants will be open to community groups across Victoria to expand community engagement and education, with additional funds made available via the 2022-2023 Victorian Government’s Collective Biosecurity budget, and the $5 million ‘Backing Victoria’s Producers’ initiative.
To learn more about how Agriculture Victoria safeguards the state from pest and weed threats, visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity.