The Victorian Government is boosting efforts to reduce roadside weeds ahead of the upcoming fire season in rural and regional Victoria.
This year, 45 councils will each receive up to $85,000 through the Roadside Weeds and Pests Program.
The funding will enable councils to implement control measures to prevent the spread of harmful weeds and pests, including treating and preventing blackberry, boxthorn and serrated tussock weeds, as well as managing rabbit populations.
Local Government Victoria and Agriculture Victoria will be working closely with local councils to ensure plans to tackle weeds and pests are tailored to their local area.
Invasive plants and animals cost the Victorian economy more than $900 million each year, and threaten native biodiversity, have negative impacts on agricultural production and contribute to the spread of fires.
Since 2017, the Victorian Government has invested more than $22 million to help councils manage rural roadsides, aiming to protect native biodiversity and reduce fire hazards.
For more information on the Roadside Weeds and Pests Program, visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au/funding-programs