Local landholders to receive funding for weeds and other pests

More than 100 local landholders will receive grants to control weeds and pest animals totalling $208,000.

Applications for the grants are part of the Wellington Weeds and Pest Animal Control (WWePAC) project and were assessed by Wellington Shire Council and the Maffra and District Landcare Network.

The grants will support farmers managing weed infestations and pest animals during recovery from drought. Successful applicants will receive a letter of offer for funding shortly.

Wellington Shire Council secured $536,000 in Federal Government funding under the Communities Combating Pest and Weed Impacts During Drought Program to support farmers and land managers reduce the impacts of pest animals and weeds on agriculture and the environment, and to stimulate local economies and employment.

The program aims to reduce the detrimental economic, social and environmental effects associated with pest animals and weeds during drought.  

The program consists of:

• training to be fully accredited in the safe and effective use of chemicals for weed and pest control through Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP) certification
• workshops to assist farmers to develop an Integrated Weed and Pest Management Plan and undertake priority actions  
• workshops to help farmers better manage weeds and pest animals and prevent future outbreaks
• on ground grants to help farmers control weeds and pest animals

To support the planned private on-ground works program, Wellington Shire Council will now undertake weed and pest animal inspections along roadsides in areas adjacent to successful applicants.

Two ACUP training workshops will be held in December.

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