Weeds and Invasive Animals

Weeds

Weeds pose a serious threat to agriculture and biodiversity within Latrobe City. Many species have the potential to reduce agricultural productivity, displace native species, impact social values and human health, and contribute to the degradation of land and waterways.  The associated management costs are significant.

Within Victoria, invasive plants can be declared as noxious weeds under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act). The Act defines four categories of noxious weeds, each with different responsibilities for control. The categories are:

1. State prohibited
2. Regionally prohibited
3. Regionally controlled
4. Restricted

Widespread weeds such as blackberry, ragwort, and spear thistle are typically classified as ‘regionally controlled’. To prevent the spread of regionally controlled weeds, on-going control measures and collaborative efforts are required. Under the CaLP Act landowners have the responsibility to take all reasonable steps to prevent the growth and spread of regionally controlled weeds on their land. 

Further information about the categories of noxious weeds and the responsibilities for control can be found on the Agriculture Victoria website.

Information about noxious weeds and their control can be found here or in the Common Weeds of Gippsland booklet.

Weed control grants are available to help landholders control noxious and environmental weeds on private land. more information can be found here. 

Weed Management in Council’s Bushland Reserves

Latrobe City Council develop annual weed control programs, targeting noxious and environmental weeds, to improve the quality and values of our bushland reserves.  

Reserve volunteers also assist with weed management under the umbrella of Community Asset Committees or Friends Groups. Works are guided by the development of reserve management plans and supervised by the Latrobe City Council Sustainability and Environment Team.  Information about volunteering within Council reserves can be found here.

Weeds on Roadsides

Management of noxious weeds within the road reserve depends upon the classification of the road under the Transport Act 1983 and the classification of the weed under the CaLP Act.

On freeways and arterial roads, the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) is responsible for the control of noxious weeds. A map of DTP roads can be found here. To report noxious weeds on DTP land please visit Message Us: VicRoads, select ‘Roads and Traffic Hazards’ from the category options, then ‘Environment’ from the subject options and follow the prompts.

On municipal roads, Council is responsible for noxious weed control, which is undertaken in accordance with an approved Roadside Weed and Pest Control Plan. The plan prioritises the management of ‘regionally prohibited’ and ‘regionally controlled’ weeds on roadsides in line with State and regional priorities.

To report noxious weeds on Council managed roadsides please contact Council or try using the Snap, Send, Solve app. 

For further information about weeds and pest animals please contact SE@latrobe.vic.gov.au