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Statewide Program To Increase Blackberry Control

Blackberry infestations along boundaries between public and private land will be attacked by a blackberry rust fungus as part of a $600,000 statewide program launched today by the Department of Sustainability and Environment

By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 21st November 2005 - Back to News

The Regional Coordinator of DSE's Good Neighbour Flagship Program, Stefan Kaiser, said the program would protect and improve biodiversity on public land and provide greater protection of adjoining private land.

"Blackberry is one of the state’s most widespread noxious weeds. It causes major environmental and economic damage and affects people's enjoyment of our parks and forests," Mr Kaiser said.

"The blackberry fungus project will be a genuine partnership between private and public land managers and will help in meeting the State Government’s commitment to being a good neighbour."

The control program is funded through the Weeds and Pests on Public Land Initiative, which is part of the Victorian Government’s $45 million investment in weeds and pest management in Victoria in 2005/06.

The blackberry rust fungus – a biological control agent that targets the invasive species – will initially be released at 24 sites across the state.

The fungus has been specially selected to cause maximum damage to a large number of the 40-plus types of blackberry currently growing in Victoria, without causing damage to other plants or animals.

Mr Kaiser said that biological control alone will not eradicate blackberry, but plants would be weakened, making other forms of control more effective in the long term.

"Public land managers will work in partnership with the local community to ensure effective blackberry control across both public and private land," Mr Kaiser said.

"Weeds and pests have a serious economic, environmental and social impact on Victoria. However, by working together with the community, we can help to reduce the impacts of blackberry and better protect our natural assets."

DSE has called for expressions of interest from landowners, Landcare Groups and land managers to identify suitable release sites for the rust.

Along with Parks Victoria, the Department of Primary Industries and Catchment Management Authorities, DSE will work in partnership with private landholders and communities to implement the program.

Further information on the Blackberry Control Program is available from www.dse.vic.gov.au or by calling the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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