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victorian gorse taskforceprogress report 2011/12

2 victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2011/12

Victorian Gorse Taskforce Progress Report 2011/12

Acknowledgements: The VGT wishes to acknowledge the support received from the State Government of Victoria through the Department of Primary Industries that has assisted in producing this document.

Published and Authorised by: The Victorian Gorse Taskforce

Designed by: Small Dog Design 101-107 Albert Street, Ballarat Vic 3350 ph 03 5333 7777

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this document is accurate. The Victorian Gorse Taskforce does not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence that may arise from relying on any information contained within.

Enquiries: VGT Executive Officer, Department of Primary Industries, 402-406 Mair Street, Ballarat Vic 3350

www.vicgorsetaskforce.com.au

Front cover:Main photo courtesy of Samantha Monks, Yarram Yarram Landcare NetworkBottom left photo courtesy of Phil Sansom, Jensan Farm ServicesBottom right photo courtesy of Lisette Mill, Moyne Weed Eradication Network

Back cover:Main photo courtesy of Peter Forster, Upper Hopkins Land Management GroupBottom left photo courtesy of Samantha Monks, Yarram Yarram Landcare Network

victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2011/12 3

Contents Chairperson’s Report

Background

Contributions to the Victorian Gorse Control Strategy 2008 – 2013

VGT Supported On-Ground Gorse Control Projects 2011/12

Department of Primary Industries: Improved enforcement of established weeds and pests

Income and Expenses

Present Distribution of Gorse

Gorse Control Project Target Areas 2011/12

Appendix 1 – VGT members 2011/12


CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

On behalf of the Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT) I am pleased to present the 2011/12 progress report.A successful year has passed for the taskforce. It was pleasing to be able to place more investment into paid community based Project Officers. These part time Project Officers have become experts in the field of Gorse control and have been tasked with the important job of negotiating a long term control program directly with landholders. Already we are seeing some good results from this direct engagement with landholders, during 2011/12 many landholders signed up on Voluntary Management Agreements for the long term control of Gorse. These agreements recognise the long term commitment that is required for a successful control program and Project Officers will maintain contact with these landholders to ensure that these agreements remain at the forefront of their minds.

In 2011/12 the taskforce moved to support 16 community-led projects for the control of Gorse across Victoria. Our investment in these projects totalled $170,595. Of these 16 projects, 11 had the services of a paid Project Officer. These projects are often coordinated by small steering committees of committed locals and generally provide control advice for landholders, long term management agreements and a one off financial incentive to help with initial control. The taskforce is pleased to be able to support community action coordinated in this way.

Partnerships with other land managers have been forged through these projects. This is a key outcome especially when investment from the taskforce is able to draw in funds from public land managers to complete works on the land they manage. Many local Shire Councils have been involved this past year, playing their part by ensuring that roadside control happens within project target areas. With coordinated assistance from the State Government we hope that this arrangement will continue.

Photo courtesy of Phil Sansom, Jensan Farm Services


We are grateful to the State Government of Victoria for funding support. The sum of $130,000 was again provided to the taskforce for 2011/12, part of this allocation goes towards salaries for our Department of Primary Industries hosted Executive Officer, the remainder is used for on ground projects. In addition to this, the Secretary of the Department of Primary Industries granted the taskforce an additional $100,000 to be used to establish new “Action Group” projects with a paid Project Officer and local steering committee. These 6 projects (part of the 16 mentioned previously) are still active and to date have made some great achievements which are summarised in the forthcoming pages. I would like to acknowledge how pleasing it is to be able to form a productive funding and administration partnership with the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce in making 2 of these projects happen. It makes sense to do this wherever Gorse and Blackberry occur together.

As we move into the final year of the Victorian Gorse Control Strategy 2008-2013 we will continue to implement the objectives of this strategy. The taskforce committee are confident that the projects implemented are well aligned to this document and that the strategies listed within are steering us in the right direction.

There is no doubt that controlling Gorse requires a long term commitment from land managers. I believe that through the projects sponsored by the taskforce we are reinforcing this reality. Throughout many years

involvement with Gorse control projects I have seen great inroads made by community volunteers and it is pleasing to be able to support this action wherever we can. Community ownership of the problem is something that the taskforce strives to promote; this is a key component of a successful project. Gorse always needs follow up control so it’s important that communities are well aware of this. This is an underlying message in all of our project implementation work.

My time as Chair has been made much easier by the many people that volunteer their time as a committee person and as someone that helps to steer projects in the right direction. I would like to thank all people involved for their efforts in this past year and trust that you will have the energy and determination to continue the battle into the future.

Peter Everist VGT Chair

Photo courtesy of Jim Seager


BACkGROUND

1 The Victorian Gorse Control Strategy is coordinated at a State level The Victorian Gorse Control Strategy (VGCS) is implemented in liaison with the National Gorse Coordinator and National Gorse Task Force, and programs are coordinated with other natural resource management (NRM) programs across Victoria, particularly with Regional Weed Plans.

2 Achieve an accurate knowledge of the extent and threat of Gorse in Victoria knowledge of the extent of Gorse distribution including ‘clean’ areas provides the basis for effective planning and delivery of control programs.

3 Promote Best Practice Management for Gorse control in Victoria Gorse control and site rehabilitation is effective and efficient, using Best Practice Management methods.

4 Prevent the spread of Gorse into new areas of the state An emphasis on programs in the areas of the state that are at risk from invasion by Gorse, where the focus will be on prevention of spread activities, partnership development, community capacity building and compliance.

5 Achieve a reduction in the core infestations of Gorse across Victoria Ongoing programs aimed at protecting key community assets, prioritised through the Regional Weed Plans, within core infestations.

6 Reduce infestations and the spread of Gorse in and along pathways A focus on the management of linear corridors, which will be the major priority for facilitators working with the community.

7 Achieve a reduction of Gorse infestations within townships Township areas will be a high priority for control programs that protect public assets. These projects will advocate to the community that Gorse is an invasive plant that landholders are legally obliged to manage.

8 Increase the community’s capacity to be actively engaged in long-term Gorse control Communities are empowered to act and are committed to long-term control of Gorse, and are supported to do so.

9 Ensure compliance with statutory obligations to control Gorse Communities are aware of statutory responsibilities and the VGT will work with partners to ensure that these are enforced.

10 Ensure effective monitoring and reporting of the VGCS The implementation of the VGCS is monitored, and stakeholders and the community are informed of progress.

The ten principal Goals and key Directions of the strategy are as follows:

The primary role of the VGT is to oversee the implementation of the Victorian Gorse Control Strategy.

Photo courtesy of Brian Vagg, SCIPN


A key strategic direction for the Victorian Gorse Control Strategy is to divide the state of Victoria into three focus zones that consider the principles of invasive plant control and the mapping of present and predicted Gorse occurrence.

These zones are:

1 Containment Zone – the core infestations of Gorse where the plant is widespread and abundant.

2 Reduction Zone – areas with substantial, scattered but not yet widespread and abundant populations.

3 Eradication and Prevention Zone – the part of Victoria where Gorse exists as isolated infestations or is predicted to occur.


CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE VICTORIAN GORSE CONTROL STRATEGY 2008 – 2013

Photo courtesy of Jim Seager

Strategy Goal Contributions by projects

The Victorian Gorse Control Strategy is coordinated at a State level

• $100,000 of new investment from State Government sources in 2011/12

Achieve an accurate knowledge of the extent and threat of Gorse in Victoria

• All infestations as part of these projects have been mapped and photo-point monitoring completed in the majority of cases

• Long term Voluntary Management Agreements used as a tool to ensure ongoing monitoring of control sites

Promote Best Practice Management for Gorse control in Victoria

• 45 copies of the National Best Practice Manual for Gorse Control distributed to project partners

• 2,200 copies of the “Controlling Gorse Successfully” brochure have been distributed to landholders

• 157 landholders have signed up to a long term Voluntary Management Agreement to control Gorse

• Several project fields days held

Stakeholders, including private and public land managers, will be identified and engaged in Gorse control in Victoria, and the VGT and VGCS will be promoted to them

• Over 500 landholders engaged with as part of community Gorse control projects

Reduce infestations and the spread of Gorse in and along pathways

• 13 projects with Shire Councils listed as key partners• Roadside Gorse control completed as part of these 13 projects

Achieve a reduction in Gorse infestations within townships • Gorse control project covering the Smythesdale / Scarsdale areas (Dales Gorse Control Group detailed within this document)

Achieve a reduction in core infestations across Victoria • Over 250 hectares of control achieved within core infestations

Increase the community’s capacity to be actively engaged in long-term Gorse control

• 10 Project Officer positions provided for community led projects• Gorse control incentives provided to over 200 landholders• Over 500 landholders engaged with as part of community Gorse control projects

Ensure compliance with statutory obligations to control Gorse

• key partnership with the Department of Primary Industries maintained and direct support granted to 2 projects areas where DPI regulatory support has been active


Photo courtesy of Chris Timewell, Connecting Country Inc

Photo courtesy of Phil Sansom, Jensan Farm Services


The taskforce has supported the implementation of these projects to help communities build successful control programs in their local areas. The aim for these projects is to increase landholder awareness and ownership of the problem so that long term control can be achieved.The taskforce actively promotes the implementation of a Community Led Approach to the management of this widespread pest. This is where a collective of concerned community members have come together to take action towards achieving successful control. Local communities have formed small groups to guide the planning and implementation of these projects. The Victorian Gorse Taskforce has supported these projects by providing resources for their implementation. A total of 16 projects have resulted from this action in 2011/12.

This approach is about placing a greater emphasis on voluntary compliance for Gorse management rather than regulatory enforcement. Through many of these projects, Project Officers are encouraging landholders to sign up to long term Voluntary Management Agreements recognising that successful Gorse control involves a commitment over many years. Where this Community Led Approach fails to convince landholders of their obligations to control Gorse, Department of Primary Industries (DPI) regulatory enforcement is then recommended so that the sustained action of the majority of landholders is supported. A summary of DPI activities is contained within this report.

The projects that were supported by the VGT in 2011/12 helped to implement the goals and strategies found within the Victorian Gorse Control Strategy 2008-2013. These projects also worked to prevent Gorse from impacting upon important environmental and agricultural assets.

Department of Primary Industries: Improved enforcement of established weeds and pestsThe Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is a key partner for the Victorian Gorse Taskforce. DPI completed the first year of the improved enforcement approach, targeting priority widespread weeds and pests of greatest concern to the community such as Gorse.

Under the improved enforcement approach, DPI provides enforcement action on established weeds where it can achieve the greatest public benefit. DPI considers providing enforcement action to support sustained community led action where a group of land owners have taken coordinated action over a number of years to achieve a common standard of pest control, to maximise the use of government resources for enforcement and encouraging long-term community-led ownership. Furthermore, DPI also considers enforcement action to support the protection of high value catchment assets and where there is a significant impact on the wider public through a land owner failing to act on their legal responsibility to control weeds or pests on their land.

During 2011/12, 82 established species enforcement projects were completed in Victoria by DPI, with nine of those targeting gorse across North Central, Glenelg Hopkins, Wimmera, West Gippsland, North East, Goulburn Broken, Port Phillip and Corangamite catchments. As a result of those gorse projects, 279 properties were inspected, across 28,769 hectares, with 156 properties served with a compliance notice to undertake Gorse control works.

This enforcement work has supported the Community Led Approach.

VGT SUPPORTED ON-GROUND GORSE CONTROL PROJECTS 2011/12

Photo courtesy of Chris Timewell, Connecting Country Inc


Restoration of kangaroo Creek and adjacent properties

VGT contribution Other contributions Total project cost Project partners

$2,500 $7,075 $9,575 Taradale Landcare Group, Connecting Country, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Coliban Water, Private Landholders

Nearest towns: Taradale, Castlemaine

The total project area covered approximately 35 ha in the catchment of a creek line (kangaroo Creek) within Taradale. kangaroo Creek is a tributary of the Coliban River. Gorse occurred across approximately 60% of the project area, with the densities of the infestations ranging from low to very high. Some of the gorse infestations had been present for many years, while others had returned or established following the above average rainfall during 2010-11.

A Project Officer worked with a diverse group of local landholders to develop a five year action plan for their properties. Gorse control was the central theme of the action plan, with a number of ancillary activities also included such as the removal of other noxious weeds, the control of

rabbits and the enhancement of native vegetation through strategic supplementary planting.

Funding from the Victorian Gorse Taskforce was used facilitate gorse control along the waterway and adjoining slopes. Landholders made a 50% cost contribution towards this work. Connecting Country supported the majority of the other activities within the action plan.

Approximately 21 hectares of Gorse control was achieved by this project. The major areas of gorse were targeted using specialist contractors, with isolated gorse plants and regrowth targeted by landholders.

Landholders within the project area will continue to control Gorse and other pest species to fulfil the objectives of their five year action plan.

Gorse treated by spraying in the Taradale area, before. Gorse treated by spraying in the Taradale area, after.

Photo courtesy of Chris Timewell, Connecting Country Inc Photo courtesy of Chris Timewell, Connecting Country Inc


Gorse treated by herbicide application. Gorse infestation typical of that found within the project area.

Adopting best management practice for gorse control to protect priority reach Thompson Creek catchment


$18,750 $26,000 $44,750 Surf Coast and Inland Plains Network, Surf Coast Shire, Department of Primary Industries, Private Landholders

Nearest towns: Freshwater Creek, Moriac

This is the third year of a five year gorse control program for the Thompson Creek Catchment. The project aims to protect the key natural and public asset Thompson Creek and targets outlying gorse infestations that exist throughout the catchment. This community led approach has allowed landholders to take ownership of the problem and take real steps toward effective control.

During 2011/12 a total of 176 properties have been visited by the Project Officer. As a result of this 46 landholders have signed up to a long term Voluntary Management Agreement for the control of Gorse. Dense infestations covering 27.5 hectares will be treated by landholders under these agreements.

Much of the affected gorse identified under voluntary agreements has been inaccessible due to the heavy autumn and winter rains. It is envisaged much of the works required will be completed in the coming months.

Other land owners have completed extensive works, and due to Project Officer contact have been motivated to complete follow up control works. In general landholders in this area now have a good understanding of the necessity of a long term program for successful Gorse control.

This project highlights the importance of gorse extension, concentrating on its control and management. The project has provided landholders with the opportunity to view the control and management of difficult gorse sites. A combination of local knowledge and local expertise from Surf Coast and Inland Plains Network, Surf Coast Shire, Contractors and Department of Primary Industries provided a comprehensive overview of best practice control and management.

Photo courtesy of Brian Vagg, SCIPN Photo courtesy of Brian Vagg, SCIPN


Gorse control in the Corindhap area to protect downstream assets in the Woady Yaloak Catchment


$16,780 $27,620 $44,400 Woady Yaloak Catchment Group, Golden Plains Shire, Ballarat Environment Network, Private Landholders

Nearest towns: Corindhap, Rokewood

This project involves concentrating on a gorse 'hot spot' of approximately 1800 ha around Corindhap which is the source of gorse infestations downstrean along creeklines south of Rokewood.

Some landholders around Corindhap have been treating their infestations for a number of years, others have not. This has created some tension between landholders.

The project for 2011-2012 involved a blanket invitation to all landholders in the target area. The Golden Plains Shire sent 75 letters to title holders in the target area, inviting them to particpate in the project. A total of 17 landholders have participated voluntarily as a result. A Project Officer visited these landholders to devise a long term plan for controlling the Gorse infestation. It is believed these participants will treat all the major

infestations in the area (estimated at about 30 ha). Once landholder control is complete (expected this coming Spring) the Goldens Plains Shire will seek to conduct complemetary work along the roadsides and crown land under their control. The Ballarat Environment Network who have delegated management for parcels of crown land have requested support for control of three sites they manage.

It is estimated that $39,500 has been put towards on ground works by landholders, of this $11,880 was provided in control incentives by this project.

Gorse infestation at Corindhap before mulching. Gorse infestation at Corindhap after mulching.

Photo courtesy of Karen O'Keefe, Woady Yaloak Catchment Group Photo courtesy of Karen O'Keefe, Woady Yaloak Catchment Group


Dales Gorse Control Group


$15,000 $35,000 $50,000 Dales Landcare Group, Woady Yaloak Catchment Group, Golden Plains Shire Council, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Private Landholders

The Dales Gorse Control Group has a target area of 400 hectares in the Scarsdale / Smythesdale area (near Ballarat), made up mostly of small blocks and lifestyle properties. The group has been working to overcome the issues associated with engaging lifestyle landowners to control gorse; this has proven to be more difficult when compared to engaging landowners who utilise their properties for farming purposes. A Project Officer will continue to work with landholders into 2012/13 to negotiate

appropriate Voluntary Management Agreements. A letter drop to all landholders in target area has been undertaken, including absentee landholders (89 letters). So far six properties have committed to a Voluntary Management Agreement to complete Gorse control.

The Golden Plains Shire Council and the Department of Sustainability and Environment are very active within the target area arranging for the completion of control works on roadsides and on crown land respectively.

Barrabool Hills Gorse Eradication Program 2011


$23,000 $18,500 $41,500 Barrabool Hills Landcare Group, Surf Coast Shire, Private Landholders

Nearest towns: Ceres, Barrabool

The aim of the project is to engage landholders in the Waurn Ponds and Mid Barwon Catchments located in the Barrabool Hills. The control program has provided an awareness and education program combined with financial incentives to landholders within the target area. The Project Officer has been negotiating five year Voluntary Management Agreements for the control of Gorse with landholders. Financial incentives to control the pest are available to landholders in the first year only. The Surf Coast Shire has been active in treating any infestations found on roadsides within the targeted area.

To date 58 landholders have been engaged through phone contact and property visits, 34 of these landholders have signed five year Voluntary Management Agreements. At the time of this report 14 of these landholders have completed their year one activities. Approximately 50 hectares of Gorse infestation is set to be controlled as a part of these voluntary agreements.

All landholders visited were engaged in discussions about weed and pest control. A field day was held to promote best practice control information. Wet weather meant that control activities were temporarily suspended especially along waterways. Once conditions improve the activities will resume. The Project Officer will complete further property visits to ensure that Voluntary Management Agreements are implemented.

Gorse infestation treated on roadside by Surf Coast Shire Council with private property infestation scheduled to be treated as part of this project.

Photo courtesy of Jim Seager, Barrabool Hills


South Central Cairn Curran Catchment Area


$4,300 $5,000 $9,300 Blampied kooroocheang Landcare Group, Hepburn Shire, Private Landholders

Nearest towns: Blampied, Smeaton

The majority of landholders affected have water frontage to the Muddy Creek, Joyces Creek, Captains Creek, Middle and Little Middle Creek. The target covers approximately 10,000 hectares. The project has sought to offer landholders a 50% cost subsidy on the control of Gorse infestations. An existing Project Officer associated with the Landcare Group has been actively visiting properties and assessing their eligibility for the control incentive. Works have been completed by landholders themselves or by private contractors. Landholders have matched the available incentive with their own contributions and have agreed to complete follow-up control in the subsequent years.

Approximately 40ha of Gorse control has been completed across eight properties in the Blampied area. To support the action of local community members, seven hectares of roadside control has been completed by the Hepburn Shire. Large Gorse infestation found within the project area and treated with herbicide.

Upper Barwon Gorse Project 2011-12


$6,500 $8,250 $14,750 Upper Barwon Landcare Network, Colac Otway Shire, Department of Primary Industries, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Private Landholders

Nearest town: Birregurra

This project has focused on following up landholders who have been involved in previous programs and contacting new landholders who may have a gorse problem. Focus areas have been along the Barwon River downstream to Winchelsea, plus the Pennyroyal & Deans Marsh Creek catchments and Matthews Creek catchment. A total of 80 landholders along approximately 100km of waterways have been contacted to raise and maintain awareness about the impacts of gorse and control measures.

Thirty properties have been visited by the Project Officer. Agreed control programs will be developed where appropriate.

Through previous Gorse projects there has been financial incentives offered to landholders. It is thought that these offers have been more than adequate and that landholders should now take ownership of the ongoing maintenance costs. The Project Officer reinforces the ongoing nature of Gorse control to the landholders involved.

Photo courtesy of Simon Kirby, Blampied Kooroocheang Landcare


Bass Coast Integrated Gorse Control – increasing the momentum Stage


$6,280 $20,400 $26,680 Bass Coast Landcare Network, Bass Coast Shire, Vic Roads, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Private Landholders

Nearest towns: Bass, Cowes (Phillip Island)

This project has developed 30 individual plans for Gorse control with landholders. These plans have been tailored to their situation and most have been able to access a 50% cost of control incentive to help with implementation of their plan. Infestation sizes of between 50 hectares and those with a few dozen plants exist within the project area.

The project has negotiated Gorse management strategies with landholders and assisted those landholders to take proactive steps to effectively control their Gorse within a realistic timeline.

An ongoing awareness campaign in the area including Gorse control on Public Land via 'Good Neighbour' is provided. A significant amount of Gorse is controlled on local roadsides with 20 roads treated in 2011/12. This takes in the majority infestations found on roadsides within the targeted area.

A total of 25 hectares of heavy and scattered Gorse infestation has been treated by slashing, burning, mulching and spraying and 25 hectares of scattered Gorse has been sprayed through the implementation of landholder control plans.

Barker’s Creek Blackberry / Gorse Action Group


$15,000 $24,800 $39,800 Victorian Blackberry Taskforce, Connecting Country Inc, Private Landholders

This project has been funded in conjunction with the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce. Gorse and Blackberry occurs in similar locations within the project area. A Project Officer has been working since February 2012 to offer advice on control options, coordinate a control campaign, and complete three year Voluntary Management Agreements for landholders along the length of Barker’s Creek.

Property visits have begun in the project area and at the time of this report the Project Officer has engaged with 16 landholders. Four Voluntary Management Agreements have been negotiated so far covering 40 hectares. Landholder engagement work in this area is quite intensive due to the relatively small property sizes.

Considerable effort has gone into engaging the community as part of the Barkers Creek project, with the group currently undertaking a local area action planning process. A recent community engagement and project planning meeting held at Harcourt attracted 35 attendees.

This project will continue to operate into 2012/13. Landholders participating in a project planning session at Harcourt.

Photo courtesy of Michael Luke, Connecting Country


Get that Gorse


$1,750 $9,260 $11,010 Upper Mount Emu Catchment Landcare Network, Pyrenees Shire Council, Ballarat City Council, Private Landholders

Nearest towns: Beaufort

This small project had the aim of facilitating Gorse control works with nine landholders so that Gorse control work would complement planned roadside spraying by two Shire Councils.

Control has been undertaken along 11.6 km of roadside directly involving nine adjoining landholders. The landholders were directly approached by Landcare Network facilitators and have agreed to undertake the necessary follow-up control required following the life of this project.

Lauriston Gorse Target Area


$5,300 $25,300 $30,600 Malmsbury and District Landcare Group, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Hepburn Shire Council, Department of Primary Industries, Private Landholders

Nearest town: Lauriston

The Department of Primary Industries implemented a compliance program in support of substantial CMA river health investments in the Lauriston area. This compliance program began during September 2011. The target area is large, being approximately 2,000 hectares and about 60 properties. Approximate infestation of Gorse controlled is 50 hectares.

The Malmsbury District Landcare Group coordinated a subsidy program for landholders to assist them to fulfil their legal obligation to control Gorse.

Macedon Ranges and Hepburn Shires committed to control roadside infestations within the project area, totalling approximately 40km of infested roads.

Community Support for Gorse Control


$4,800 $8,000 $12,800 Glenlyon Landcare Group, Department of Primary Industries, Hepburn Shire Council, North Central Catchment Management Authority, Private Landholders

Nearest town: Glenlyon

Project funds have supported landholders with an incentive payment to control Gorse. The Landcare Group has been successful in lobbying the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) for regulatory support to facilitate control on properties that have not been willing participants in this and past community control programs.

The DPI program will support substantial Catchment Management Authority river health investments and previous Landcare led projects. The target area is large, being approximately 2,000 hectares and about 80 properties. Estimated infestations of Gorse that have been controlled totals 50 hectares.

Three media articles placed in the Glenlyon News have raised awareness of this program.


Moyne Weed Eradication Network


$15,000 $14,000 $29,000 St Helens Landcare Group, Moyne Shire Council, Warrnambool City Council, Southern Moyne Landcare Group, Hopkins Moyne Landcare Group and Hopkins Falls Landcare Group, Department of Primary Industries, Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority, Private Landholders

Nearest towns: Hawkesdale, Koroit, Framlingham

The target area here includes the Moyne River and its catchments. The Project Officer has run multiple media items through the local press in regards to creating awareness about the project. Demand for the project’s services has been high with 35 landholders visited by the Project Officer during 2011/12. Of these, Eight landholders have signed up to a long term Voluntary Management Agreement for the control of Gorse. A further 10 landholders are still be negotiated with at the time of this report. Landholders that commit to a long term program are then eligible for control incentives which generally cover 50% of the cost in the first year of implementation.

This project will continue into 2012/13 and aims to treat Gorse on the Moyne River, Hopkins River and Drysdale creek. This work will not only protect the clean sections of these waterways but also the Merri River and Russell’s creek.

The weed eradication network is a partnership between, the St Helens, Southern Moyne, Hopkins Moyne and Hopkins Falls Landcare groups. Gorse infestation treated by mulching.

Upper Campaspe Blackberry/Gorse Action Group


$15,000 $19,500 $34,500 Upper Campaspe Landcare Network, Victorian Blackberry Taskforce, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Private Landholders

Nearest towns: Ashbourne, Woodend

This project has been funded in conjunction with the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce. Gorse and Blackberry occurs in similar locations within the project area. A Project Officer will be engaging with landholders to assist them to understand their responsibilities to manage these pests.

This project has established a steering group with broad geographic representation across the targeted area. The role of the steering group is

to drive the project through ongoing engagement with community, public land managers and local government.

The project is aiming to engage with at least 50 landholders to complete long term Voluntary Management Agreements. A Project Officer will provide ongoing follow-up support.

This project is in its infancy and will continue to operate into 2012/13.


Gippsland Coastal Plains Gorse Control Program


$20,000 $18,420 $38,420 Yarram Yarram Landcare Network, Wellington Shire Council, Department of Primary Industries, Private Landholders

Nearest towns: Yarram, Port Albert

This project is in its fourth year and has controlled and contained Gorse in key priority areas. The targeted area is large and on ground works have treated approximately 30 ha of Gorse infestation by chemical and/or mechanical application in 2011/12.

The program has protected the following key waterway assets as identified by the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority's River Health Strategy: Merriman, Bruthen, Tarra, Albert and Jack Catchment Areas.

There has been strong community support and uptake of the project. This year 12 new landholder Voluntary Management Agreements are in place for Gorse control. Of these 12 landholders, Seven project control sites are complete at the time of this report. Others have been delayed due to extremely wet seasons

The project will continue into 2012/13 due to delays in control works due to wet weather. Herbicide treatment of Gorse infestation near Alberton, Victoria.

Removal of Gorse along River Creek, Mansfield


$635 $1,250 $1,885 Delatite Landcare Group, Private Landholders

Nearest town: Mansfield

This project was a small investment for the taskforce and had a focus on eliminating some isolated infestations. The project involved eliminating an infestation of Four hectares in size along River Creek. River Creek runs into the Delatite River which is a feeder stream for Lake Eildon. The project provided a small incentive payment to the landholders for the Gorse control works.

The landowners are committed to ongoing follow up control of the infestation on their property and are supported by the farmers directly downstream.

Photo courtesy of Samantha Monks, Yarram Yarram Landcare Network


Summary of VGT income for 2011/12:

Amount Source

$230,000 Victorian Government, Department of Primary Industries

Summary of VGT expenses for 2011/12:

Amount Expense

$60,000 Employment of the VGT Executive Officer through the Department of Primary Industries

$170,595 On-ground projects for 2011/12

INCOME AND ExPENSES


05

1606

02

04

10

12

08

14

01

17

09

11

03

18

13 15

Yea

MoeSale

Cowes

Colac

Erica

Avoca

Euroa

Lorne

Cobden

Ararat

Bright

Drouin

CressyMaffra

Terang

Yarram

Noojee

Foster

Melton

Maldon

Dunolly

Bendigo

Benalla

Morwell

Rosebud

Sunbury

Stawell

Skipton

Seymour

Horsham

KynetonKilmore

Geelong

Ballarat

Anglesea

Beaufort

Werribee

Warragul

San Remo

MortlakeRosedale

Jamieson

LilydaleHamilton

Gisborne

Melbourne

St Arnaud

Alexandra

Dandenong

Inverloch

Inglewood

Warburton

Wonthaggi

Penshurst

Frankston

Leongatha

Mansfield

Camperdown

Daylesford

Apollo Bay

Marysville

Winchelsea

Whittlesea

Port Fairy Korumburra

Myrtleford

Castlemaine

Healesville

Warrnambool

Violet Town

Queenscliff

Maryborough

Bacchus Marsh

Port Campbell

2011/12 GorseProject Areas

25 0 25 5012.5km

Gorse Project Areas 2011-12

Freeway/Highway

Main Road

Watercourse

Waterbody

Geocentic Datum of Australia (GDA) This map prepared by Tony Cuzner, GIS ServicesInvasive Plants & Animals Operations Branch

BIOSECURITY VICTORIA, DPI Box Hill

Contains cgdl information © The State of Victoria Disclaimer: This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria andits employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or iswholly appropriate for your particular purposesand therefore disclaims all liability for any error,loss or other consequence which may arise fromyou relying on any information in this publication.

Date: 17/09/2012Path: H:\DPI\_GIS_projects\Gorse_Mapping\2011-12\A3map_Blackberry&Gorse_Projects_2011-12.mxd

01) Barkers Creek Blackberry & Gorse Action Group02) Barrabool Hills Gorse Action Group03) Dales Gorse Control Project04) Moyne Weed Eradication Network05) Thompson Creek Catchment Gorse Action Group06) Upper Campaspe Blackberry & Gorse Action Group08) Bass Coast Integrated Gorse Control09) Corindhap Gorse Control Project10) Gippsland Coastal Plains Gorse Control Program 111) Gippsland Coastal Plains Gorse Control Program 212) Glenlyon Gorse Project13) Kangaroo Creek Project Taradale14) Lauriston Gorse Project15) River Creek Mansfield Project16) South Central Cairn Curran Gorse Project17) Upper Barwon Gorse Project Area 118) Upper Barwon Gorse Project Area 2



APPENDIx ONE

2011/12 VGT Members Nigel Ainsworth DPI – Biosecurity Victoria

Jenny Blake Golden Plains Shire

David Clark Upper Mount Emu Landcare Network

Ron Cosgrave North Central CMA, Natural Resource Management Committee

Doug Dalgleish Newham and District Landcare Group

Peter Everist VGT Chair – Haddon Landcare group/ Woady Yaloak Project

Singarayer Florentine University of Ballarat

Martin Forbes Dales Landcare Group / Woady Yaloak Project

Peter Forster Upper Hopkins Land Management Group

Margaret Hatton Sunday Creek / Sugarloaf Sub-Catchments Inc

Shane Herbertson Executive Officer

Brian Rowe Blampied-kooroocheang Landcare Group

Robert Watson Leigh Catchment Group / Napoleons-Enfield Landcare Group



Photo courtesy of Samantha Monks, Yarram Yarram Landcare Network

Photo courtesy of Chris Timewell, Connecting Country Inc Photo courtesy of Chris Timewell, Connecting Country Inc

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