Noxious weed control

Council is responsible for the management of over 1,440km of local road network. Maintaining this road network and its associated roadside vegetation is a significant task, requiring dedicated project management, site monitoring and significant annual financial investment.

Undertaking weed control activities is an important part of Council’s role as a land steward, resulting in a major investment in protecting the Shire’s significant agricultural and environmental assets.

A locally relevant field guide is available which has been created by nature enthusiasts. It may assist landholders to identify and control noxious and environmental weeds found in the shire. 

As a land owner and under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act), Council has the responsibility to manage declared noxious weeds. These weeds can be classified into the following groups based on their impact on the land:

Regionally prohibited weeds: Weeds that are not widely distributed but have the ability to spread further. Landowners, including Council and other public authorities, must take appropriate action to eradicate regionally prohibited weeds from their land. Examples of such weeds include caltrop and khaki weed.

Regionally controlled weeds: Weeds that have become widespread over time and prevention of their spread is required. Landowners, including Council and other public authorities, must take reasonable steps to prevent the growth and spread of regionally controlled weeds on their land. Examples of such weeds include gorse, blackberries, and serrated tussock. 

Restricted weeds: This category includes plants that pose an unacceptable risk of spreading in this state and are a serious threat to another state or territory of Australia. Trade in these weeds and their propagules (either as plants, seeds or contaminants in other materials) is prohibited. 

If you'd like to see a list from Agriculture Victoria of declared noxious weeds and pest animals, please click the link here