Monday, 14 December 2020

The war on weeds in West Gippsland has been given a boost with funding from the Victorian Government.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing has welcomed $82,133 in funding from this year’s round of Local Government Victoria’s Roadside Weeds and Pests Fund.

Local Government Minister Shaun Leane announced the funding for Baw Baw Shire & Latrobe City Council as part of $2.79 million committed to the fight against invasive species in regional Victoria in the 2020-21 State Budget.

Rural roadsides are a ready means for invasive plants to spread throughout Victoria, and this funding allows councils to continue work to prevent their spread.

Councils like Baw Baw & the Latrobe Valley are responsible for managing rural roads are eligible for grants through the program, run by Local Government Victoria.

Even a small amount of prompt and targeted control work on weeds and pests can save farmers millions of dollars, protect native species and keep valued landscapes safe from encroachment.

Land management has proved a valuable source of employment through the Working for Victoria initiative which has seen 53 Victorian councils place 4,800 people into jobs.

Local communities have also benefitted from revegetation and rubbish removal with Working for Victoria creating more than 130 new jobs across eight Catchment Management Authorities.

To find out more about the Roadside Weeds and Pests Program, visit https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/funding-programs/roadside-weeds-and-pest-management

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing  

“Work funded through this programme helps protect farmland, forests and parks in West Gippsland from invasive weeds and pests that will do millions of dollars of damage if left uncontrolled.” 

“Weed and pest control by councils is an important part of our efforts to protect the environment and keep West Gippsland such a special place to live.” 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government, Shaun Leane 

 “Councils are responsible for thousands of kilometres of rural road across Victoria and this funding recognises their role in controlling what can be a very attractive habitat for invasive plants.” 

“The control efforts funded through the Roadside Weeds and Pests program are also a source of jobs and fulfilling work for Victorians as we move into recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.”