Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Primary Industries

Raising Weed Awareness Of Vicroads Staff

One hundred and eighty three staff from all seven VicRoads regional offices participated in a recent weed awareness training program delivered across Victoria by the Department of Primary Industries.

By Department of Primary Industries - 6th June 2007 - Back to News

The training program was based on WeedStop training developed and delivered by DPI over the last two years.

As part of DPI’s ‘Tackling Weeds on Private Lands Initiative’ this program was delivered as a contract to VicRoads to develop and provide training to increase VicRoads staff awareness of the issues weeds have on VicRoads.

Participants gained skills to be able to recognise noxious weeds within Victoria and developed processes to reduce the spread of weeds through their daily activities.

They were also shown how to detect problem weeds in vehicles, equipment and machinery used by VicRoads. As part of the full day training a vehicle sample analysis was conducted, highlighting the importance of vigilance and hygiene to prevent risk of weeds spreading.

Material cleaned from vehicles and equipment was submitted for analysis of weed species. Preliminary visual analysis of the 133 samples from the 29 vehicles and equipment identified four items carrying noxious weeds.

A slasher with caltrop in its tyres, a sedan with spear thistle in its engine bay and flax leaf broom in the cabin and a two wheel drive ute with horehound and Paterson’s curse in its cabin, Paterson’s curse and African love grass in its radiator.

A tractor was also found to be carrying gorse branches with shattered mature seed pods attached but no seed was observed.

Positive responses from almost all participants indicate they valued the training and that it achieved the objective of increasing their awareness of weed issues relating to VicRoads.

In addition to VicRoads training program, DPI has delivered training in weed spread prevention techniques to municipalities, agricultural contractors and the fodder industry across southern Australia.

For further information about WeedStop training contact Michael Moerkerk at DPI on (03)5362 2125.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Latrobe unites to tackle gambling harm during awareness week: 'Set Before You Bet' 2025
  Latrobe City Council is urging residents to take part in Gambling Harm Awareness Week (27 Oct - 2 Nov) and "Set before you bet" by learning to recognise signs and reduce gambling harm.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.
• Martin Cameron supports Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day raising vital funds for Lifeline and Rotary
  More than 150 golfers joined the Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day in Traralgon, raising a record $30,000 for Lifeline Gippsland and Rotary's local mental health initiatives.
• Omeo gains new modular worker accommodation, supporting healthcare staff and strengthening regional community
  Omeo District Health's new modular worker accommodation is underway, providing housing for healthcare staff, supporting regional jobs, and helping the town attract and retain doctors, nurses, and essential workers.
• Lifeline Workshop in Warragul Library: Understanding and Preventing Family Violence for community awareness and safety
  Free two‑hour session at Lifeline, held at MYLI Warragul on 25 Nov 2025 from 1‑3 pm, aims to build awareness, understanding and practical strategies to prevent family violence.
• Regional all abilities participation grants is now open to boost inclusive sports opportunities for people with disability in regional communities
  The Allan Labor government's Regional All Abilities Participation Grants offer up to $25,000 for clubs to boost disability inclusion through equipment, training, travel support, and all-abilities sports programs.
• Labor provides rebates and programs to help regional households switch from costly gas to cheaper electric appliances
  The Allan Labor government is supporting 1,183 regional households impacted by Solstice's gas network closure with rebates, discounts, and programs to help them transition to cheaper, energy-efficient electric appliances.
• Wellington Shire Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange surges ahead, handling one in 43 Victorian Cattle Sales in 2024
  Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange recorded a remarkable 122% increase in cattle throughput last financial year, making it the highest percentage increase of any saleyard in Australia.
• Gippsland to join European Union Program showcasing regional innovation in clean energy, tourism, agriculture and sustainable development
  Gippsland has been selected for a European Union research program, showcasing its leadership in clean energy, tourism, and agriculture while promoting international collaboration, innovation, and investment through the IURC initiative.