MILDURA is being supported by the Victorian government to prevent the spread of invasive weeds and pests on local roadsides.
Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp announced the state government was investing $75,000 through the Roadside Weeds and Pests Control Program to support the Mildura Rural City Council in its weed and pests control efforts.
Minister for Local Government Mellissa Horne said the funding would help reduce the spread of weeds and pests, that have the potential to wreak havoc on native plant species.
“Through better control of our roadside weeds and pests, we could potentially save our farmers and economy millions of dollars each year,” she said.
The government said weeds and pests cost the Victorian economy over $900 million each year by disrupting agricultural production, damaging native biodiversity and contributing to the spread of fires.
It stated the new state funding will assist MRCC with a range of activities, including treating and preventing regionally controlled and restricted weeds, managing rabbit populations and community consultation.
Regionally controlled weeds are defined as being widespread in a region, requiring landowners to prevent their growth and spread, while restricted weeds are considered a serious threat to all states and territories.
The Government is investing $11.5 million over four years in the Weeds and Pests Control Program, providing greater protections for agriculture, roads and the environment.
