Community Pest Plant & Animal Program

This project offers the five Landcare Groups with the HDLN region a portion of funding to put towards pest plant and animal control, in areas where it will be a benefit to community (i.e. Public land, roadsides). Pest plant and animals are perceived as a priority amongst the local community; however it is difficult to access funding for these works due to changing government policies regarding responsibility for pest plant and animals, particularly on roadsides. This project allows the groups to take an active role in what they see as a priority. 

Last year’s project saw the Landcare Groups spend the funding on various weed control programs that were of benefit to the local community, including weed control along roadsides, and weed control along a public creek frontage. In many cases the groups were able to value-add this funding with funding from the group’s existing funds, individuals contribution, and funding from other organizations, including the Corangamite Shire. As well as providing a huge benefit to the community, this funding was a huge benefit to the health of the groups, re-invigorating them with a new project. 

Project Outcomes

• 6 community-based pest plant & animal control projects across the HDLN area.
• A decrease in weed and pest animal infestations and an increase in environmental values of public land compared to their current levels, dependent on the projects undertaken.     Value add projects via group, individual and other organisation’s matching funding.
• More vibrant and reinvigorated Groups with increased motivation to undertake projects and connect to their neighbours and community.
• Opportunities for community and corporate staff community volunteer days.

How will it happen?

There are criteria that all Landcare Groups must follow to be eligible for the $800 grant. 

• the project must be of benefit to the community;
• no more than $300 can be spent on group members labour; 
• the project must be selected by the entire group; and
• the funding must be spent by March of the funding year. 

All projects will be approved and monitored by the Coordinator to ensure the criteria are met.