Section 5 Case studies - Weeds Australia

Case Study 5
Council incentive programs
Summary
The problem of managing weed infestations in
peri-urban communities is made complex by the
interaction of many different factors arising from
the proximity of densely settled communities
and sparsely settled farming lands. The Victorian
municipalities of Melton Shire and the City of
Whittlesea have implemented effective but
different strategies to manage serrated tussock
infestations.
The problem
In the 1990s there was considerable land
degradation within Melton Shire. Serrated
tussock infestations were particularly severe,
with some properties containing little other
vegetation. Control of the weed was ad hoc and
reinfestation a continuous problem.
The City of Whittlesea, located on Melbourne’s
northern-fringe, also recognised serrated tussock
as a significant problem, although tussock
infestations were isolated. Council particularly
identified roadside reserves as prime avenues
for the spread of serrated tussock. These linear
reserves often contain remnant native grassland,
which are easily impacted by fragmentation
and – due to long borders – the edge-effects of
weeds. Responsibility for weed management on
urban reserves is often a grey area. Weeds can
be left unmanaged, impacting upon roadside
safety, vegetation quality, and spreading into
conservation zones and rural areas.
What has been done
In the late 1990s, Melton Shire Council decided
to implement an innovative Environmental
Enhancement Policy (EEP) which included a rebate
available to all land holders with properties over
two hectares who carry out serrated tussock
control works.
To obtain the rebate, a land holder must first
lodge a Proposed Works Forms detailing intended
works to control serrated tussock. Council
officers then visit the property to assess whether
the works have been completed. If so, the rebate
is given. In addition to inspections, Council
officers provide land holders with advice on how
to control serrated tussock and other weeds, and
pest animals and plants.
Key messages
• Incentive programs are an effective
approach to motivating land managers
to control serrated tussock.
• Incentive programs alone must
be backed by capacity building
opportunities and underscored by an
understanding of the consequences of
non-compliance.
• In addition, it is important that
key sources of infestation are
continuously and effectively
controlled.
The EEP has also focused Council’s efforts
on maintaining its own reserves, including
roadsides, in a weed free (especially serrated
tussock free) state.
To further assist rural land owners, Council offers
approximately $100,000 in Green Wedge Grants
per year. The basis for these grants is are 1995
National Heritage Trust (NHT) funds provided
for three years by the Australian Government to
conserve significant environmental features, such
as endangered native grasslands.
In one instance, Melton Council purchased
a property with a severe serrated tussock
infestation that nevertheless contained state
and nationally significant flora and fauna, and
had geological features worth protecting. The
property is situated on a high point in a flat
landscape and serrated tussock seed blew each
year from the property into the surrounding
lands. Council now works with the local Landcare
group and Trust for Nature to restore and
maintain the site.
In 2005, the City of Whittlesea decided on
a strategy to eliminate all serrated tussock
infestations within its municipality over five
years. Actions taken are:
• Mapping: annual weed mapping exercises
identify all serrated tussock infestations on
roadsides, and public and private properties
to provide information for targeted control
exercises. In 2007 alone, over 1600
inspections were carried out.
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