Weeds and Invasive Animals

Weeds and invasive animals cause problems

Weeds and invasive animals pose a serious threat to our farm and forestry industries, our natural environment and to human health. The associated management costs to the Victorian economy are significant. Weed management alone costs the Victorian economy over $900 million each year.

Under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, landowners have a legal responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent the spread of, and as far as possible eradicate, established pest animals and weeds.

Weed Management in Latrobe City Council Reserves

Latrobe City Council runs an annual weed control program, including a dedicated Burgan removal program across our reserves.

Reserve volunteers assist with weed management under the umbrella of Committees of Management or Friends Groups and supervised by the Latrobe City Council Environment and Sustainability Team.

Weeds on roadsides

In most circumstances management of roadside weeds is the responsibility of the adjacent landholder.

To assist landholders in managing roadside weeds, Latrobe City Council undertakes limited actions to monitor and control roadside weeds with the support of State Government funding.

Latrobe City is maintaining an ongoing and dedicated program to reduce the infestation of blackberry, gorse and broom species on municipal roadsides.

A progress report is submitted annually to the Environment Coordinator, for more information on this, contact RRE@latrobe.vic.gov.au.

Roadsides where Council does not have any involvement in weed management

Roadsides where Council does not have any involvement in weed management include:

Arterial and tourist roads, phone VicRoads 13 11 71
Roads in State Forests, phone Department of Sustainability and Environment 13 61 86
Roads in National Parks, phone Parks Victoria 13 19 63
Roads in rail corridors, phone VicTrack 1300 8428 7225
Unmade and unopened roads, contact the adjacent landowner

Invasive Animals

Latrobe City Council does not run any invasive animal management programs. For more information management of invasive animals in Victoria or on your property go to Agriculture Victoria’s Invasive Animal website.

What you can do to help

Choose appropriate plants for your garden. Collect Grow Me Instead! A Guide for Gardeners in the Gippsland Area(PDF, 7MB) free from any Latrobe City Service Centre.
Remove weeds from your garden and nature strip or property and roadside (Common Weeds of Gippsland)
Dispose of weeds in your green waste bin or at a green waste facility where the hot composting process will destroy any weed seeds.
Do not leave pet food outside where it can be eaten by foxes and other pest animals.
Keep your cat inside between dawn and dusk so that it does not kill native animals.
Keep your dog on a lead when visiting bushland areas so it cannot be mistaken for a feral dog or interfere with trapping or poisoning programs.

Where can you get more information?

Visit the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment’s Pests, Diseases and Weeds website.
Visit the Agriculture Victoria website for Biosecurity.
Visit the Victoria State Government website on Invasive Plants and Animals.
Phone the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning on 136 186 for free expert advice and information on identifying and managing weeds and pest animals.

Contact Us

For questions or concerns regarding weed management on council land email RRE@latrobe.vic.gov.au.