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 today 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 Up2Us Landcare Alliance to support its $50,000 'Rooted in Resilience, Collaborative Solutions for Blackberry and Gorse' project.
The project will help Landcare professionals and community members in north east Victoria to deliver a strategic approach to weed management and develop a community of practice that aims to drive long-term change. The Landcare professionals will then put these learnings into practice by delivering four community workshops.
The Upper Glenelg Landcare Network has received $38,500 to develop a scalable fox control model across four Landcare groups. The project will equip land managers with practical skills, supported by formal chemical use training, to increase control methods available to land managers and increase the effectiveness of their efforts.
The East Gippsland Landcare Network has been awarded $33,970 for their 'Pests in Focus - Educating East Gippsland at the Field Days' project.
Over two years, the initiative will deliver engaging pest plant and animal awareness activities by working towards behaviour change in landholders and the wider community encouraged by education and engagement.
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/
As stated by 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."
