Agriculture Victoria staff have been working closely with key community and government stakeholders to coordinate a workshop to assist in the management of the invasive weed - Wheel cactus (Opuntia robusta).
The workshop is to be held at the Buckrabanyule CFA shed on Thursday 7 April at 10 am and will feature guest speakers from Agriculture Victoria, Loddon Plains Landcare Network, Tarrangower Cactus Control Group, Bush Heritage Australia and Parks Victoria.
Agriculture Victoria Biosecurity Manager Ben Perry said the workshop will bring together up to 11 key stakeholders, community and land managers working on wheel cactus to discuss their control programs.
"The aim of the workshop is to continue the community conversation about wheel cactus control, outlining best practice management, key stakeholder wheel cactus control programs and discuss next steps in controlling this invasive weed," Mr Perry said.
"Wheel cactus is well established throughout Victoria, so this workshop is a great opportunity to share insights and management techniques to assist the community in limiting the impact this invasive weed has on our fragile landscape," he said.
North Central Catchment Management Authority Regional (NCCMA) Landcare Coordinator Tess Grieves said local communities can shape the priorities of weed and pest animal programs.
"They know the environmental and social values of an area and the hotspots for pest species so working in collaboration with all key stakeholders and land managers on any weed species helps tackle the issue and plan successful local programs," Ms Grieves said.
Another key focus of the workshop will also be to update the community on the establishment of the Loddon Invasives' Committee (LIC). The primary objectives of establishing the LIC are to:
- Coordinate and prioritise invasive species control across the Loddon Shire
- Increase on-ground control project efficiencies
- Provide a communication network for the community and all key stakeholders
- Assist member groups with funding opportunities and applications.
