[Loddon Times, 25 Nov 2009, Page: 7] Loddon shire councillors have welcomed the decision by the State Government to establish an independently chaired working party to examine the issue of roadside weed management in Victoria. Two years ago council became aware that the State Government supported the idea that Local Government councils should be responsible for weeds on roadsides and not local land owners. Council called on the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) in May 2008 to lobby the State Government to amend the legislation and bring further clarity to the issue.
Loddon Shire Council's chief executive officer John McLinden said at Monday afternoon's meeting that the shire has 5000 km of roads and "couldn't cope" to get rid of all the weeds. It is council's belief that the responsibility for weeds management rests with the adjoining land owner, which should be encouraged with appropriate support. Council has decided not to apply for Round 3 of the Interim Roadside Grants Program, which would include on-ground pest control works and capacity building activities. This program is built on the premise that it is council's responsibility to eradicate roadside weeds, which Loddon Shire council rejects.
Cr Geoff Curnow said that landowners would be prepared to do the work if the cost for the chemical to kill the weeds was supplied. Council would like to see Landcare groups to cooperate with land owners on this issue.
Article: WeedsNews209 (permalink) Categories: :WeedsNews:councils, :WeedsNews:roadside weeds, :WeedsNews:weed control Date: 27 November 2009; 11:40:40 AM AEDT