Blackberry blitz on local roads
More than 430 kilometres of roadsides along 127 roads across Baw Baw Shire are being targeted in a blitz against noxious blackberry weeds.
From December to April, contractors will spray blackberries on nominated roadsides thanks to almost $50,000 grant from the state government’s roadside weeds and pests program. Council also contributes $43,000 to the program.
Blackberry bushes invade roadsides, plantations, pastures, riverbanks and bushland. Its harmful effects can reduce pasture production, restricted
A tourist lookout route that promotes some of Baw Baw Shire’s popular lookout points will be considered by council.
Cr Keith Cook last week moved a notice of motion, calling for a report that details where lookouts are located and the costs involved with maintaining these lookouts to a standard that will attract tourists.
Cr Cook said there were a number of natural lookout points across the shire which “showcase our natural views.”
He said the lookouts could be developed into a tourist route.
He requested the report provide a list of locations, required maintenance and costs of signage and development of the route.
“Ideally this report will provide costings and an annual implementation schedule for upgrade and implementation of such a trail to be considered in the 2020/21 budget and beyond,” he said.
He said Baw Baw attracted more than a million visitors last year with many enjoying the rolling green hills, tall trees and rivers.
“Many of our magnificent lookouts have been decommissioned or are no longer cared for.
The report will be presented to council by the end of March 2020. access to water and land, and encourage habitat for unwanted pests and animals.
As part of the program, ragwort control along roadsides in the hill areas also will be programmed along with targeted rabbit control where necessary.
Mayor Danny Goss said council’s co-ordinated roadside weed program had seen a marked reduction of the number of blackberries growing along roadsides, which is a great result for the community.
“This treatment approach results in a larger area being targeted using less chemical. We thank the Victorian Government for their funding support to undertake these works on behalf of our community,” he said.
Some of the roads listed for inspection and treatment include:
Narracan, Thorpdale and Allambee areas Allambee-Childers Rd, Leongatha-Yarragon Rd, Trafalgar South Rd, Rogers Rd, Sunny Creek Rd, Old Leongatha-Yarragon Rd and Lawrences Rd.
Drouin, Hallora, Ripplebrook and Longwarry areas - Invermay Rd, Lardner Rd, Jones Rd, Settlement Rd, Thompson Rd, Campbell Rd and Main South Rd, North Yannathan Rd. Yarragon, Darnum and Trafalgar areas Parkinsons Rd, Silbys Rd, Tripp McDonalds Rd, Waterloo Rd, Mountain Glen Drve, Bayleys Rd, Orchard Rd, Lochs Creek Rd, Factory Rd.
Willow Grove and Hill End areas - Balfours Rd, Spillway Rd, River Connection Rd, Wilkes Rd, Hunts Rd and Eagles Rd.
Jindivick, Neerim South and Noojee areas Neerim North Rd, Jindivick-Neerim South Rd, Neerim North-Noojee Rd, Fraser Spur Rd, Neerim East Rd, Latrobe River Rd, Le Page Rd and Mapleson Rd.
Warragul area - Danes Rd, Roberts Rd, Stockdales Rd, Wrights Rd, Gibsons Rd and Bull Swamp Rd.
Many of the roadsides were targeted for followup control from earlier blackberry control works undertaken in 2016-17.
Additional roads may be added if there is a particular concern depending on funding availability.
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