Staff from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s (DELWP) Port Phillip region worked with Melbourne Water, Nillumbik Shire Council, Heritage Golf Club and landholders to deliver targeted weed control works across various sites in the district as part of the Good Neighbour program.
Good Neighbour Program Manager, David Miralles said the project had targeted areas adjacent to the Yarra River, which would complement landholder efforts on neighbouring Bend of Isles properties, as well as Melbourne Water works along the Yarra River corridor.
“This work is critical in preventing the spread of invasive weeds and negatively impacting on native plants.
“The work is in response to concerns from neighbours and local groups who are seeking assistance to help reduce the weeds to levels which can be maintained into the future by the Heritage Golf Club, adjacent landholders, and local volunteer groups,” Mr Miralles said.
stations have been reduced over the past two years, strengthening partnerships between DELWP and the community.
These works have allowed landholders, Heritage Golf club and Melbourne Water to focus their efforts on tackling other emerging weeds within the area.
Mr Miralles said the Christmas Hills project is one of over 200 projects being delivered across the state by DELWP and Parks Victoria through the Good Neighbour Program this year.
“There’s opportunities for more local districts to get involved, so we’d urge people to get in contact if they think the Good Neighbour Program could help better control invasive pest plants and animals in their area,” he said.
The work is part of the Victorian Government’s Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037 plan to stop the decline of our native plants and animals and improve our natural environment.
