Title: Resolution of Victoria's vexed roadside weeds responsibility a step closer
[MAV 6 October 2011] -- MELBOURNE: The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has welcomed the Government’s release of a collaborative report aimed at resolving responsibilities, management and funding for declared roadside weeds and pests following years of uncertainty and legislative conflict. Cr Bill McArthur, MAV President said responsibility for roadside weeds had long been a vexed issue for councils, farmers and communities and a resolution was overdue. “We’re hopeful the Government will support a community-led approach proposed in the report. This will enable councils to develop local priorities and utilise resources available from landcare and ‘friends’ groups."
“A new funding model is also critical to provide certainty for councils to act, and the MAV is calling for a five-year funded service agreement, which has a proven track record of success in other areas. While councils are open to providing the on-ground management and planning for regionally controlled weeds, local government does not support embedding this responsibility in legislation. As past experience shows, local government can acquire a legislated role for certain services with State funding either eroding over time or being withdrawn to leave councils with an unfunded responsibility,” he said.
Together with the VFF, the MAV was a member of the Ministerial Working Party which prepared the report. The MAV also formed a Roadside Weeds Sub-Committee of council representatives to guide local government input to the process. Cr McArthur said that since 2004 a solution had been sought on responsibility for roadside weeds and pests, and the MAV supported the general approach of the working party report.
“The proposed model includes key elements for a successful partnership including council preparation of a control plan, provision of administration and operational funding by the State, and recognition that some small rural shires have a limited capacity.
“The report supports the Government retaining responsibility for funding the control of state prohibited weeds on roadsides, but the MAV would like to see this role extended to regionally prohibited weeds."
“While relatively limited in area, regionally prohibited weeds could be better managed by the Department of Primary Industries given they pose a significant economic risk to the agriculture and horticulture sectors."
“It’s also proposed that councils receive funding to undertake an agreed level of management for regionally controlled weeds and pests as described in a municipal Roadside Weed and Rabbit Control Plan."
“The working party has achieved major inroads towards delivering a sensible resolution, and Minister Walsh is commended for his receptiveness to the proposed solutions."
“It’s particularly pleasing that the Minister has committed to work with local government on funding and implementation matters as part of the Government’s response,” he said.