LA TROBE ALP candidate Rodney Cocks last week unveiled his party’s plan to tackle the weed invasion in the Dandenong Ranges, announcing that the hills would be targeted by Labor’s National Weeds Research and Productivity program.
Mr Cocks said the policy was aimed at addressing the impact of weeds on forestry and farm biodiversity by establishing a national applied research program into invasive weeds such as wandering trad, bridal creep and ivy.
But the four-year, $15.3 million program has fallen short of the expectations of the Shire of Yarra Ranges.
While mayor Tim Heenan welcomed the funding announcement, saying he was pleased that both major parties have acknowledged that weeds were a significant environmental issue, he questioned the impact the national policy would have on the Dandenongs.
“We want to know from both parties, ‘what’s in it for the Yarra Ranges?,” Cr Heenan said.
“The spread of weeds throughout areas such as the Dandenongs is already extensive and drastic action needs to be undertaken now.
“It is the council’s belief that $10 million needs to be spent in the Yarra Ranges over the next five years to fund weed-removal and control measures.
“Otherwise, we will lose the war on weeds.”
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