Have your say on draft Weed Management Strategy

Published on 25 May 2020

Community members are invited to review the draft Weed Management Strategy and have their say.

The purpose of this strategy is to describe the vision, goals and priorities for the management of weeds within Baw Baw Shire from 2020 to 2025.

The primary focus of the draft strategy is goal setting for collaborative action on weed control in bushland reserves and rural roadsides. The draft strategy adopts a biosecurity approach, which employs risk management principles to determine appropriate weed management actions.

The threats and associated costs of weed invasion are numerous, with impacts seen in natural landscapes, agricultural land, waterways and urban environments. The Australian Weeds Strategy 2017-27 recognises that the extent, persistence and impacts of weeds presents an on-going challenge that requires a continual and coordinated response.

The draft strategy adopts a risk assessment approach to weed management, where actions are prioritised based on the ecological values of a site and the risk that weeds pose to those values. This approach is used by several municipal Councils and varies from past approaches that were typically species-based.

Key themes within the draft strategy focus on preventing new weeds arising, while strategically allocating resources to mitigate those that already exist. The themes also recognise the need to work in a collaborative manner and the significance of community involvement in managing weeds throughout the landscape.

Feedback is now being sought from land managers, service delivery agencies and community members involved in, or interested in, the management of weeds.

Full details including a link to the feedback survey are now available at www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/HaveYourSay

This consultation opportunity is open until 5.00pm on Friday 26 June 2020.

Following the consultation period, Council Officers will consolidate feedback and consider all submissions to assist in making further recommendations to Council.

The strategy sits under the Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2018-22 and aligns with the objectives of the Council Plan.

“Weeds pose a serious threat to economic, environmental and social values in Baw Baw Shire. Through this strategy, our vision is to work collaboratively with agencies and the community to protect our local landscapes, biodiversity and agriculture from the negative impacts of weeds.”