- Published:
- Wednesday 11 December 2024
Organisations on the front line protecting Victoria’s environment, agriculture industry, and cultural heritage from biosecurity threats are being backed by the Allan Labor Government to manage invasive weeds and pest animals
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence today announced the 25 recipients of the third round of the $5 million Partnerships Against Pests grants program.
This program provides funding to community groups for projects that educate, strengthen relationships, and promote collaboration in managing established invasive weeds and pest animals at the local level.
Established weeds and pest animals damage our landscapes and waterways, cause substantial production losses, jeopardise international market access and damage culturally sensitive sites of First Nations people.
Grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 were available to various agricultural and environmental not-for-profit organisations, including Landcare groups and networks.
Successful projects included initiatives such as peri-urban and regional fox monitoring, the development of community pest management plans and partnering with Traditional Owners for on country management whilst protecting cultural heritage.
Among the recipients is Wildlife Unlimited, who received $50,000 for its Partnerships Against Foxes in East Gippsland project. This initiative brings community and agency stakeholders together to develop innovative solutions for fox control in East Gippsland.
The project will include a webinar on fox impacts and control, two training workshops on the FoxScan app, and the development of an East Gippsland Remote Communities Fox Control Strategy.
This funding is in addition to the $250,000 allocated to competitive grants for Victoria’s four Community Pest Management Groups – the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce, the Victorian Gorse Taskforce, the Victorian Rabbit Action Network, and the Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party.
This funding is helping expand their influence across the state and strengthen partnerships with local communities.
For the full list of grant recipients, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
“The Partnerships Against Pests grants program is a fantastic example of how we can support community groups to take the lead in managing biosecurity challenges at the local level.”
“By investing in projects that promote collaboration, education, and innovation, we’re not only addressing the impacts of invasive weeds and pest animals but ensuring our solutions are driven by those who know their local area best.”