Weedbuster work

By Tania Martin
PARKS Victoria last week announced plans to commence an extensive weeds program in the Dandenong Ranges National Park and the Bunyip State Park.
Parks Victoria chief executive officer Mark Stone said controlling weeds was at the very heart of maintaining a healthy park system.
“This year we are intensifying our efforts across Victoria and introducing some innovative programs to deliver even better outcomes for the natural environment,” he said.
The program will target weeds in the Bunyip State Park, Kurth Kiln Regional Park, and the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Working to combat weeds in the Bunyip State Park, rangers have joined forces with the Shire of Cardinia, Cannibal Landcare Group, Labertouche Landcare Group and local landholders.
These groups will work together to tackle weeds such as ragwort, blackberry, pittosporum, and holly.
Bunyip State Park ranger Dan Bowen said the program aims to make people living in the area more aware of weeds and how they spread.
He said Parks Victoria was working cooperatively with the Shire of Cardinia for the best possible attack on weeds.
The Shire has also released a booklet on weeds that includes weeds that are found in the bordering shires of Casey and Greater Dandenong.
Meanwhile, in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, Landcare groups, Parks Victoria, and local landholders are working together to battle weeds such as sweet pittosporum and English ivy.
Ranger in charge Matt Hoogland said by undertaking the weed eradication work, Parks Victoria was able to contribute to protecting native animals such as the Lyrebird by improving their habitat.