Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence has awarded grants totaling $500,000 to 16 Victorian organisations as part of the Partnership Against Pests Program, including Western Port Catchment Landcare Network.
Established weeds and pest animals damage landscapes, impact agricultural production, are a risk to international market access and damage culturally sensitive sites. They are estimated to cost Victorian farmers $869 million every year in management and lost production costs.
Western Port Catchment Landcare Network was awarded $16,230 towards their ‘Building Catchment capacity and partnerships in the battle against invasive pests’.
‘This project will deliver community farm walks focussed on priority species detailed in the Cardinia Shire Bio-links plan. It will also deliver vertebrate pest information nights, as well as farmer discussion groups led by a professional facilitator to drive discussion and action. This project involves collaboration with Agriculture Victoria’s Established Invasive Animal team, the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce and Cardinia Shire Council.’
Grants delivered through the Partnership Against Pests Program will ensure the people most affected by widely established invasive species are central to identifying problems, creating strategies and solutions that help limit their spread and reduce their impact.
For more information about the Partnership Against Pests Grants Program, including a full list of Round 2 grant recipients, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au
