[Weekly Times 21 Dec. 2011 by Peter Hunt, p. 9] -- VICTORIA’S weed research funding has been ground down to less than it was a decade ago. Department of Primary Industries data show its 10 weed researchers and five technicians received less than $1.3 million from the Victorian Government for research, compared with $1.7 million in 2001-02. Most of the decline, which occurred under the previous Labor Government, has been masked by Federal Government funding. But the Federal Government’s $15.3 million, four-year National Weeds and Productivity Research Program comes to an end in June.In the past 20 years, the DPI team has played a crucial role in importing, screening and releasing new parasites, rust fungi and insects to control bridal creeper, Patersons Curse, ragwort, thistles, gorse, St John’s wort and other major weeds. DPI analysis shows biocontrol suppression of seven key weed species has delivered $990 million of benefits. The team also has worked on:
CONTROLLING new weeds, such as Mexican feather grass.
A WEED-RISK assessment system and mapping.
REGISTERING the highly effective fluproponate herbicide for serrated tussock and other invasive stipoid grasses.
IMPROVED management of aquatic weeds.
BEST-PRACTICE management guidelines for weeds in grazing industries.
The Victorian Farmers Federation wants the State Government to cover the research shortfall. VFF president Andrew Broad said farmers were being constantly called on to control weeds and do their bit for the community and environment. It’s one thing to say the community cares about environmental management, it’s another for the community to pay for it," he said.
Prior to the 2010 Victorian state election the Coalition promised to: Expand research into pest plant and animal control, encompassing both biological and conventional control measures". Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh said there were no plans to boost weed-research funding.
