Community members with a keen interest in protecting Victoria's $17.5 billion agriculture industry from invasive pests and weeds are invited to nominate for a new statewide advisory board.
Biosecurity Victoria Executive Director Katherine Clift said the Victorian Invasive Pests Advisory Board will help shape the state's strategic direction on invasive pest management activities.
'Community voices are vital to ensure we hear first-hand perspectives about invasive pests and weeds that are considered of greatest community concern,' Dr Clift said.
'We're looking for strategic thinkers at the heart of invasive pest and weed management – whether you're on farm, in natural resource management, community engagement or have a background in agricultural policy.'
Invasive pests and weeds degrade the environment, damage valuable agricultural land and livestock, and impact cultural sites of significance to First Nations peoples.
'The management of invasive pest and weeds is most successful when community, industry and government work together – the advisory board will be key to this collaboration,' Dr Clift said.
The board will provide strategic advice on community grant programs and initiatives under the Victorian Government's $5 million commitment to support the expansion of community-led action to manage pests and weeds of greatest concern to rural landowners, and that are critical in protecting Victoria from emerging biosecurity threats.
As part of Victoria's Agriculture Strategy, the Victorian Government is committed to ensuring Victorian agriculture is well-placed to respond to pests, weeds and disease, protecting and enhancing the future of the sector.
Nominate for the Victorian Invasives Pests Advisory Board member here by 2 July 2023.
