Title: 'Good neighbours' controlling ragwort and blackberry

[Mirror Jan 2011] -- THE spread of the noxious weeds blackberry and ragwort in West Gippsland has been curbed thanks to a partnership between private and public land managers supported by a three-year 'Good Neighbour' project. The Victorian Government's 'Good Neighbour' funding program has allocated a total of $210,000 to the West Gippsland region to fund a variety of pest, weed and animal control projects on Crown land adjoining freehold farming land. The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), Parks Victoria, various local Landcare groups and other park neighbours joined forces three years ago to implement a pest control program to control the spread of ragwort and blackberry in parts of West Gippsland, especially in relation to Mount Worth State Park and Morwell National Park. Parks Victoria Ranger in Charge Andy Gillham underlined that weeds have a significant impact on the natural environment and biodiversity.

"Weeds do not recognise the boundary between private and public land, so addressing this challenge requires a cooperative approach," he said.

"Parks Victoria is building positive relations with neighbours by reducing the extent of weeds and pests on public land that impact on private land." Mr. Gillham continued,

"We are focusing our efforts on protecting valuable remnant Strzelecki Ranges vegetation as well as a number of rare and threatened species including the Giant Gippsland Earthworm, and the Narracan Burrowing Crayfish, so are concentrating on local National Parks and supporting adjoining community programs." He concluded,

"It gives me great satisfaction whenthe Government, farmers and the community can protect the environment and help stop pests and weeds impacting on our land's sustainability by working together."

Landowners or prospective landowners in South Gippsland who want information on how to identify and control weeds so they can care for their land and be 'good neighbours' themselves are encouraged to contact South Gippsland Landcare Network on 5662 5759 and/or to visit southgippslandwee….

Blackberry and ragwort are both currently flowering so can readily be spotted and identified.



Article: WeedsNews1560 (permalink)
Categories: :WeedsNews:community engagement, :WeedsNews:community monitoring, :WeedsNews:noxious weeds, :WeedsNews:weed control
Date: 17 January 2011; 1:41:40 pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time

Author Name: Leigh Warwick
Author ID: warwickl