National Biosecurity win for Victorian volunteers

6 April 2023

A Victorian volunteer collective at the forefront of invasive pest management was this week announced Community Award winners in the Australian Biosecurity Awards in Canberra.

Partnering with Agriculture Victoria, the four Community Pest Management Groups joined forces to deliver the Weeds and Rabbits project to improve the way pest animals and weeds are managed in Victoria.

“We salute the work of this team of volunteers who’ve shown exactly what can be done when community is at the centre of invasive pest management,” Agriculture Victoria Director Plants, Chemicals and Invasives Sharyn Williams said.

“They have worked tirelessly to raise awareness and understanding of weeds and rabbit management in Victoria and changed attitudes and behaviours in ways that reduce biosecurity risks to Australia’s environment.”

The Weeds and Rabbits Project ran from 2016-2021 and engaged almost 6500 people through activities including workshops, field days and masterclasses.

“The team has delivered outstanding results to help landholders improve their understanding and raise the standard of weed and rabbit management,” Ms Williams said.

The $4.3 million Weeds and Rabbits project was funded by the Federal Government, with project management and staff support provided by Agriculture Victoria.

The community leaders were from the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce, Victorian Gorse Taskforce, Victorian Rabbit Action Network and Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party.

“We look forward to continuing to support the four Community Pest Management Groups via the Victorian Government’s 2022-2023 budget commitment of $500,000 over two years to support the delivery of further community-led programs,” Ms Williams said.

Further support will also be provided via the Backing Victoria’s world-class producers to grow initiative, with $5 million from 2023-24 to support community action to manage established pests and weeds.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s Australian Biosecurity Awards recognise individuals, groups and organisations that have shown a commitment to support and promoting Australia’s biosecurity and the systems that underpin it.

Media contact: Lucy Hayes

Phone: 0437 762 668