Member for Rodney, Paul Weller has warned residents in the electorate who fail to control invasive plants and animals on their property to be aware of their responsibilities as the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) doubles property inspections in a major crackdown on agricultural pests and weeds.
“The Coalition Government is committed to taking action on those landholders who allow their properties to become a haven for pests and weeds, like blackberry, gorse, ragwort and thistles,” Mr Weller said.
“The government has allocated an additional $21.2 million in the state budget to boost the fight against weeds and pests and this investment is paying off,” he said.
From July to December last year DPI officers visited 2,768 properties compared to just 1,290 for the same period in 2010.
More than 600 landowners received land management or directions notices over this period demanding they take action to clean up their properties or face penalties. This is up on 288 notices issued for the same period the previous year.
“All landowners need to take responsibility for what is growing on their property and if farmers need help to identify or control agricultural pests they should contact the Department of Primary Industries for assistance,” Mr Weller said.
The DPI is implementing 90 weed enforcement projects across Victoria to support community-led action on weeds.
“It is tremendous to see the farming community work together to eradicate problem weeds and other agricultural pests; local Landcare groups and weed taskforces are great examples of this,” he said.
For more information on identifying and controlling problem pests and weeds contact the Department of Primary Industries on 136 186 or visit the website at www.dpi.vic.gov.au.
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