[DPI News 05/07/10 - By Sarah Partington, Biosecurity Victoria] As part of the Victorian Department of Primary Industries' Bushfire Recovery Project Rebuilding Together, Weed Alert has collaborated with Melbourne Water to deliver Aquatic Weed identification training to individuals who work along waterways or who may encounter aquatic weeds as part of their everyday work. 185 people were trained over 14 sessions throughout June and found it to be very valuable. Attendees were exposed to live samples which included Aquatic State prohibited weeds and species that Melbourne Water are currently targeting on their waterways.
A pack containing an aquatic State prohibited weed identification guide, magnets for the five Aquatic State prohibited weeds and information on Melbourne Water’s top four weeds was also distributed to every participant.
In line with the strategic direction of DPI's Better Services to Farmers, the training which would normally be delivered by a DPI Weed Alert team member, was delivered by an external contractor.
The aim of this training is to increase the surveillance capacity on waterways around Victoria and plans to run similar training sessions in the future. This project has also enabled Melbourne Water to increase surveillance on their waterways for their priority weed species.
For more information please email Weed.Spotters@dpi.vic.gov.au.
