430 kilometres of roadsides along 127 roads will be targeted in an upcoming blitz against noxious blackberry weeds.
Blackberry is regarded as one of the most invasive and damaging weeds in Australia because of its potential for spread and economic/environmental impacts.
Blackberry bushes invade roadsides, plantations, pastures, riverbanks and bushland. Its harmful effects can reduce pasture production, restricted access to water and land, and encourage habitat for unwanted pests and animals.
From December to April, contractors will spray blackberries on nominated roadsides thanks to a $49,359 grant from the Victorian Government's Roadside Weeds and Pests Program. Council also contributes $43,000 to the program.
As part of the program, ragwort control along roadsides in the hill areas will also be programmed along with targeted rabbit control where necessary.
Some of the roads listed for inspection and treatment include:
Narracan, Thorpdale and Allambee areas:
- Allambee-Childers Road
- Leongatha-Yarragon Road
- Trafalgar South Road
- Rogers Road
- Sunny Creek Road
- Old Leongatha-Yarragon Road
- Lawrences Road
Drouin, Hallora, Ripplebrook and Longwarry areas:
- Invermay Road
- Lardner Road
- Jones Road
- Settlement Road
- Thompson Road
- Campbell Road
- Main South Road
- North Yannathan Road
Yarragon, Darnum and Trafalgar areas:
- Parkinsons Road
- Silbys Road
- Tripp McDonalds Road
- Waterloo Road
- Mountain Glen Drive
- Bayleys Road
- Orchard Road
- Lochs Creek Road
- Factory Road
Willow Grove and Hill End areas:
- Balfours Road
- Spillway Road
- River Connection Road
- Wilkes Road
- Hunts Road
- Eagles Road
Jindivick, Neerim South and Noojee areas:
- Neerim North Road
- Jindivick-Neerim South Road
- Neerim North-Noojee Road
- Fraser Spur Road
- Neerim East Road
- Latrobe River Road
- Le Page Road
- Mapleson Road
Warragul area:
- Danes Road
- Roberts Road
- Stockdales Road
- Wrights Road
- Gibsons Road
- Bull Swamp Road
This year, many of the roadsides are targeted for follow-up 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.
