The Andrews Labor Government continues to support rural and regional councils in managing weeds along Victorian roadsides.
The Victorian Budget 2017-18 provides $5.39 million for local councils to manage roadside weeds and pests.
This includes $2.66 million for the 2017-18 financial year, with a further $2.73 million for 2018-19.
Roadsides can be a breeding ground for invasive weeds to spread throughout Victoria and threaten parks, forests and rural land values.
Weeds such as Gorse, Patterson’s Curse and Blackberry have a serious impact on farming and hinder environmental sustainability and rural communities.
Millions of dollars each year can be saved in lost farming and control costs by preventing weed growth.
The increased funding for the roadsides weeds and pests program is just another way the Victorian Government is delivering services to rural and regional councils.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins
“Councils are getting the support they need to get rid of these weeds, as they can threaten farming and the environment.”
“The last thing we want is for our hard-working farmers to impacted by something preventable.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020