New resources to tackle serrated tussock

VSTWP members Lance Jennison (left) and John Burgess (right) with Cassie Borg from Hume City Council at a recent serrated tussock workshop (photo: I. Carter).

The Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party is working to support the community to manage serrated tussock in the core infestation area west of Melbourne.

The group is working closely with new landowners in the area to ensure they’re equipped to manage this weed. A new extension officer will be providing additional support to landowners and local council around Sunbury and Diggers Rest.

A recent best-practice management field day in Diggers Rest attracted 42 landowners and community members to see treatment demonstrations and discuss integrated control options.

Further field days are planned for spring 2018. For more information contact info@serratedtussock.com.

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Systems Mapping Study for Widely Established Invasive Species

The Victorian State Government is committed to working in partnership with communities across the state to manage invasive weeds and animals. This commitment recognises the $1 billion plus cost of invasive species in Victoria each year on private land, in addition to their significant socio-ecological impacts.

Agriculture Victoria, in collaboration with community pest management groups for blackberry, gorse, serrated tussock and rabbits, has commissioned a study to gain a thorough understanding of how our social systems work for managing these invasive species. The Systems Mapping Study draws on different types of knowledge from the community and from technical, scientific and policy fields.

Information is being gathered using interviews, and an online survey and storyboard. You can participate by sharing your story here. This information will be presented at a workshop in April 2017 as a series of systems maps, stories and imagery to communicate how blackberry, gorse, serrated tussock and rabbits are managed. Using this information, workshop participants will deliberate on ways to better support community action. The study will also guide future investment in community action on invasive species in Victoria, made possible through the Australian Government Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper.

The study is being undertaken by Lisa Adams & Associates.

Key dates 2017:

Interviews: January

Survey: February

Storyboard: January – March

Workshop: April