[Mirror 15 June, 2011, p. 18] -- SOUTH Gippsland Community Weeds Taskforce (CWT) is aware that the current lack of enforcement on control of widespread established weeds is the number one issue for many rural communities. In late April this year, the CWT wrote to the relevant Coalition Government Ministers expressing these concerns and suggesting options for change, and a positive letter of response was received from the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh in return.
The Minister shared the CWT’s view that in recent years the Department of Primary Industry (DPI) has given insufficient attention to addressing the problems caused by established weed species. An excerpt from the Ministers letter states, "The Coalition Government places a high priority on weed and pest control and will improve enforcement measures to target land managers who fail to control invasive plants and animals on private property".
The Minister advised that he is working with the DPI on a new approach to prioritising enforcement of regionally controlled weeds.
According to the letter, an effective new approach to wed control is going to need strong partnershops between communities, landowners and DPI.
The CWT is encouraged by this response and has begun working in partnership with the DPI to realise the Government's commitment for the control of widespread weeds such as ragwort and blackberry. The control of such weeds will aim to protect high value agricultural areas and support successful long-term community-driven action on weed control.
The South Gippsland CWTR is made up of 42 individuals representing various Government and non-government organisations and teh community. Meeting four times a year, the CWT provides a platform from which the community and government can increase awareness of and capacity for sustained pest and animal management across all land tenure.
For further information on the CWT please contact CWT Chair, Paul McAsey by email on plmcasey @ gmail.com or Kate Williams. South Gippsland Landcare Project Officer on either 5613 5973 or katew@ wgcma.vic.gov.au.