The Andrews Labor Government has allocated $527,668 to help Gippsland Local Governments tackle roadside weeds and pests.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing MP announced the funding, which is part of $5.2 million allocated under the 2015-16 State Budget for the Roadside Weeds and Pests Program.

Harriet Shing MP said the funding will assist the Councils of Bass Coast, Baw Baw, East Gippsland, Latrobe, South Gippsland and Wellington in effectively managing their roadsides, preventing the spread of weeds and pests and limiting the impact on the farming sector and environment.

Changes made to the program this year have extended the list of eligible weeds that can be treated to include 85 additional “restricted weeds”.

Under the program, each eligible council receives a base amount of $5000 per year together with an allocation based on their proportion of Victoria’s rural road network.

This year, the Labor Government has increased the maximum grant under the program from $50,000 to $75,000 per year.

All rural and interface councils that have responsibility for rural roads are eligible for funding under the Roadside Weeds and Pests Program.

For more information on the Roadside Weeds and Pests Program, contact the Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning on (03) 9948 8514.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing MP

“The Andrews Labor Government recognises the challenges faced by rural and regional councils across Victoria in controlling weeds and pests along their roadsides.”

“The Labor Government has allocated $263,834 each year for the next two years across Gippsland to help Councils meet these challenges.”

“This program will boost the capacity of Bass Coast, Baw Baw, East Gippsland, Latrobe, South Gippsland and Wellington Councils to control roadside weeds and pests before they can spread to neighbouring land and impact on agricultural production and the environment.”