BOOSTING LONG-TERM BIOSECURITY ACROSS VICTORIA

The Allan Labor Government is backing local heroes who are fighting back against invasive pests and weeds – the kind that threaten our farms, forest and parks and can be harmful to native wildlife.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence announced 27 grant recipients from Round 4 of the $5 million Partnerships Against Pests grants program, which supports community-led initiatives to build strong partnerships, raise awareness, and deliver long-term, collaborative invasive species management.

This is important work that helps keep our state clean and healthy – so that our forests can continue to thrive so that visitors can keep enjoying them into the future and it protects the farmland that feeds us, making sure our crops and livestock aren’t competing with destructive species.

Among the recipients is Blackwood & Barrys Reef Landcare Group to support its $50,000 ‘Upper Lerderderg Catchment Weed Mapping and Prioritisation’ project.

The project aims to bring a range of land managers in the area together to prepare a comprehensive weed management plan for the Upper Lerderderg Catchment and, to encourage greater coordination across the work being undertaken.

Grants between $10,000 and $50,000 were available for projects focused on building knowledge and capacity for those who undertake activities to control established weeds and pest animals.

For more information and the full list of recipients, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/protecting-victoria/partnerships-against-pests-program-and-grants

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“This funding supports local community groups to carry out important work that protects our rural communities from invasive weeds and pests."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
“This round of grants is all about putting the power in the hands of locals, the people who know their areas best and can lead the charge to tackle pests and weeds and protect the places we all care about.”

“These projects will harness the wealth of grassroots experience across our state, helping to enhance local expertise and ensure these valuable skills are passed on for generations to come.”

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