State funds to attack blackberries and weeds

Noxious blackberry weeds will be targeted when Baw Baw Shire sprays more than 440 kilometres of local roadsides this season.

Council contractors will spray 446 kilometres of council-managed roadsides between December and April thanks to a $49,359 grant from the State Government’s Roadside Weeds and Pest Program.

Mayor Danny Goss said blackberries were a highly invasive weed that spreads rapidly.

He said it was an environmental threat, crowding out native vegetation, and had significant agricultural and economic impacts.

He said the majority of the selected roadsides had been targeted for follow-up control from the 2017-18 roadside weed control program. This targeted approach results in a larger area being treated annually, using less chemical.

“Council’s annual weed control program has seen a great reduction in the number of invasive weeds growing on our roadsides.

“We’ve got to keep on top of blackberry; it’s a fast-growing weed that damages pastures and our natural environment, is expensive for individual property owners to manage, and can even be a fire hazard.

"It’s also a timely reminder that residents should never pick blackberries from the roadsides – enjoy responsibly farmed ones from our markets, greengrocers and supermarkets,” he said.

Ragwort also will be controlled along roadsides in the hill areas.

Roadsides to be targeted this year include: Narracan and Allambee region - Falls Rd, Lilleys Rd and Allambee Sth Rd;

Hallora, Athlone and Modella region Invermay Rd East, Lang Lang Park Rd and Allen Rd;

Longwarry and Longwarry Nth - Box Rd, Cook Rd, Corduroy Rd, Martin Rd, Thornell Rd, Sand Rd, Wiltshire Rd, Morrisons Rd and Princes Way;

Labertouche region - Alcorn Rd, Drayton Rd, Fishers Rd, Labertouche Nth Rd, McDonald Track, School Rd, Middleton Rd, Tonkin Rd, Valley View Rd;

Yarragon, Darnum and Trafalgar - Darnum Park Rd, Stuhrs Rd, Darnum-Allambee Rd,

Giles Rd, Sunny Creek Connection Rd, Sunnyburn Rd, Williamsons Rd, Araluen Rd, Yulungah Rd, Andersons Rd, Cummings Rd, Embletons Rd, Nine Mile Rd, Ten Mile Rd, Gibson Bros Rd, Roches Rd, Wiktor Rd, Goodings Rd and Telephone Rd;

Willow Grove, Fumina and Tanjil - Duggan Nth Rd, Ashdown Rd, Blue Rock Rd, Cheesemans Rd, Grays Rd, Hasthorpe Rd, Ortons Rd, Knights Rd, Laidlaws Rd, Ranch Rd, Tanjil River Rd, Staff Rd, Thalloo Rd and Hunter Rd;

Jindivick, Neerim Sth and Noojee - Rokeby Jindivick Rd, Palmer Rd, McIntyre Rd, Jacksons Track, Wattle Lane, Cowden Rd, Wagners Rd, Toorongo Valley Rd and Old Noojee Rd;

Warragul - Lardners Track, Pharoahs Rd, Dollarburn Rd and Landsborough Rd;

Seaview and Mountain View – Warragul Leongatha Rd, Mountain View Rd and McDonalds Track; and

Erica - Telbit Rd, Rusks Rd, Beasleys Rd, Mathiesons Rd, Old Coach Rd, Old Traralgon Rd, Old Walhalla Rd and Thomson Dam Access Rd.

Additional roads may be added if there is a concern, depending on funding availability.

Cardinia grants

Application are now open for two community grants schemes offered by Cardinia Shire council for next financial year.

The grants for not-for-profit organisations in the shire are for festivals and events and community wellbeing support.

Closing date for applications for both funds is March 12.

Festival and event grants are available towards the running costs of arts and cultural activities, agricultural shows, major events and also RSL clubs.

The community wellbeing and support grant program helps establish new organisations, projects and services that improve residents’ health and wellbeing, support opportunities for volunteering and help buy small items of equipment.