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Landowner In Court Over Ragwort

Noxious weeds are a serious threat to agricultural production and bio-diversity

By DNRE - 11th December 2002 - Back to News

A landowner pleaded guilty on December 5 in Korumburra Magistrates’ Court, to a charge of failing to control the noxious weed ragwort on her 370 acre dairying property at Foster North.

The prosecution under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 was undertaken by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE).

The defendant was placed on a two year good behaviour bond, the conditions of which require her to comply with a works agreement drawn up with NRE for the control of ragwort on her property. Costs of $117.29 were also awarded against the defendant.

Leongatha NRE Catchment Management Officer Bob Wilson said noxious weeds are a serious threat to agricultural production and bio-diversity in South Gippsland. They reduce farm productivity, displace native species and contribute significantly to land degradation.

"A cost benefit analysis conducted back in 1994 has shown that in Victoria, ragwort reduced milk production by an estimated $1.6 million per year or $1,585 per affected farm," Mr Wilson said.

"NRE is committed to working in partnership with rural communities in the fight against weeds. The South Gippsland Local Area Weed Plans clearly spell out the community’s expectations in relation to the control of noxious weeds and their desire for increased emphasis on compliance activity by NRE."

"We will be cracking down on landowners and managers whose lack of action on weeds continues to threaten neighbouring properties," Mr. Wilson said.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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