While residents enjoy the rural ambience of the district, in reality much of the local landscape has been compromised by the spread of weeds. In particular, serrated tussock and other pests have rendered many of the local land holdings unproductive and unattractive.
To improve the appearance and value of the local landscape, Council has embarked on an extensive campaign encouraging land holders to improve their holdings by appealing to their hip pocket nerve.
Under a rural rebate scheme, applying to land holdings of two hectares or more, land holders who carry out work on their land to clear noxious weeds and produce photographic evidence of that work, can receive a significant rate reduction. Non compliance results in an effective charge to the land holder.
With a compliance rate of 94 percent, the scheme has been highly successful. It has resulted in a dramatic increase in the productivity of land holdings and a decline in the spread of pests and noxious weeds.
To complement the scheme, Council is working with Landcare Australia, the local community and surrounding municipalities to put in place measures ensuring work to date will be continued.
“The scheme represents a major response to community concern over weed control,” said Jacqui McLeod, Council’s Environmental Services Manager. “Council has received positive comments and feedback from local residents who can already see positive results from the scheme.”
A further spin off for the local economy has come in the form of increased demand for weed and pest control services provided by local companies. To monitor the performance of the scheme, Council plans to develop a database. This will allow for mapping of weed infestation using a GIS system.
A consultant from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment will conduct cost benefit analyses of gains to be made from such a program. The NRE has expressed great interest in the scheme, hoping it will prove suitable for introduction across Victoria.
For further information contact Jacqui McLeod, Environmental Services Manager, telephone (03) 9747 7200.
