The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has urged the State Labor Government to take serious action to combat increasing numbers of weeds and pests across the region.
Ms Broad recently raised the issue in Parliament and also spoke at the Mount Alexander Wildlife Watch public form in Chewton at the weekend.
Ms Broad said residents had raised a range of concerns.
“Locals are upset about the spread of pests and noxious weeds on public land, including roadsides in Bendigo and across northern Victoria.
“There is particular concern over the spread of the hairy fleabane and prickly lettuce weeds,” Ms Broad said.
“These two weeds are increasingly appearing along roadsides and creeping into pastures.”
Ms Broad said recent media reports revealed the government’s own performance measures showed a 30 per cent reduction in pest control overall and a reduction in departmental staff involved in pest and weed control.
“There is also a reduction in the annual weed control target from 50,000 hectares to 40,000 hectares, and department reports show a steady decline in pest and weed control over the last 11 years.
“The failure to control weeds and pests on Crown land such as foxes, deer, pigs, wild dogs and rabbits impacts on agricultural productivity and farm businesses and also damages native vegetation and biodiversity.”
Ms Broad raised the issue in parliament and asked the Minister for Agriculture to explain what action the government is taking to control pests and invasive weeds and prevent their spread into surrounding communities.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
