Melbourne’s outer urban fringe gains a four year $4m weed control program

Weed control in Melbourne’s outer urban fringe will be the focus of a new $4 million Brumby Labor Government funding program announced today.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings today called on outer suburban councils to apply for dollar-for-dollar grants under the four year Urban Fringe Weed Management initiative.

Mr Jennings also announced the first collaboration under the Urban Fringe weed management initiative, a partnership between the Government and the Shire of Yarra Ranges for weed control in the Dandenongs.

The Brumby Labor Government will provide $250,000 a year for four years with a matched contribution from the council.

“Weed control is a significant issue and the Brumby Labor Government is taking action with local councils to get this jointly funded four year program up and running,” Mr Jennings said.

“We will be calling for proposals from other outer urban councils to take part in the Urban Fringe program. The partnerships will help deliver a collaborative public land weed control program targeted at areas of environmental significance and areas of high value to the community.

“They will reduce fire risks in these areas and help councils and other land managers work together to stop the spread of weeds and improve management of public land.”

Mr Jennings said the Urban Fringe program would help develop an effective approach to weed control in the Dandenongs which would directly involve local people.

“The Shire of Yarra Ranges is a priority area as it contains environmentally significant sites which attract visitors and tourists to the ranges area and weeds can have an impact on those sites. I commend the Shire for its initiative in developing this model for funding,” Mr Jennings said.

“Weed management within the shire is a complex issue and this weed control program must actively engage the local community and business leaders to be successful in the long term.

“We want tourists and visitors to this area to have the best experience possible and keeping the local environment healthy will help to make sure they see it at its best.”

The Dandenongs partnership will be coordinated by the Department of Sustainability and Environment in partnership with the Shire of Yarra Ranges.

Further information on the Urban Fringe weed management program is available from http://www.dse.vic.gov.au or by calling the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186.