Photo courtesy of National Gorse Taskforce

victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 Victorian Gorse Taskforce Progress Report 2010/11

Acknowledgements: The VGT wishes to acknowledge the support received from the State Government of through the Department of Primary Industries that has assisted in producing this document.

Published and Authorised by: The Victorian Gorse Taskforce

Designed by: Small Dog Design 101-107 Albert Street, Ballarat Vic 3350 ph 03 5333 7777

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this document is accurate. The Victorian Gorse Taskforce does not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence that may arise from relying on any information contained within.

Enquiries: VGT Executive Officer, Department of Primary Industries, 402-406 Mair Street, Ballarat Vic 3350 www.vicgorsetaskforce.com.au

2 victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 Contents

Chairperson’s Report 4

Background 6

2010/11 Project Contributions to the Victorian Gorse Control Strategy 8

VGT Supported On-Ground Gorse Control Projects 2010/11 10 • Ashbourne River Gorse – Ashbourne Landcare Group 11 • Bass Coast Integrated Gorse Control: Increasing the Momentum Stage 2 – Bass Coast Landcare Network 12 • Bellarine Gorse Control Project Stage 2 – Bellarine Landcare Group 13 • Sanctuary Revival – Cowes Primary School 14 • Go Gorse Go – Upper Landcare Network 14 • Rayner Gorse Project – Langley Landcare Group 15 • Gorse Control on the Latrobe Flood Plain between Traralgon and Rosedale – Latrobe Catchment Landcare Network 15 • Stop the Spread – Eradication of Gorse from the Upper Wimmera Catchment – Project Platypus Inc 16 • Gorse Control along the Buninyong Creek – Leigh Catchment Group 17 • Small grants program to assist landholders control and manage core Gorse infestation along key waterway asset Thompson Creek – Surf Coast and Inland Plains Network 17 • Gippsland Coastal Plains Gorse Control Program – Yarram Yarram Landcare Network 18 • Birch’s Creek – Ullina Landcare Group 18 • Upper Hopkins Land Management Group 19 • Gorse free assets in the Woady Yaloak Catchment – Woady Yaloak Catchment Group 19

Income and Expenses 20

Present Distribution of Gorse 20

VGT Target Areas 1998-2010 21

Appendix 1 – VGT members 2010/11 22

victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 3 Chairperson’s Report

Photo courtesy of National Gorse Taskforce

On behalf of the Victorian Gorse The past year saw the VGT support 14 Taskforce (VGT) I am pleased to present community-led on-ground Gorse control "projects. These projects were coordinated the 2010/11 progress report. in a partnership arrangement with project The structure of the VGT committee has proponents such as Landcare Networks and continued to provide a solid community-led Landcare Groups. The VGT committed a total of focus to the Gorse problem within Victoria. $115,404 to these projects. Our project partners The ability to coordinate the establishment of report that this investment from the VGT has community based Gorse control projects has leveraged other investments totalling $165,380 given the committee an important focal point for to further enhance the outcomes of these 2010/11. This has reinforced the importance of projects. The strength of these projects has community involvement and strong partnerships been their ability to attract other organisations in addressing this issue. The involvement of into the frame. Public and private land multiple and varied stakeholders with the managers, Local Shire Councils and Catchment activities of the VGT has meant that the profile Management Authorities are but some of the of Gorse control efforts has risen and has many individuals and organisations that have attracted support across wide geographic areas made both monetary and in-kind contributions of Victoria. This is demonstrated by the spread to these projects. of projects contained within this document.

4 victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 During 2010/11 our project partners have reported the control of over With a committed effort controlling the curse that is Gorse is very achievable. 650 hectares of gorse within project areas, a mix of dense and scattered I have personally seen the results of committed community groups and infestations. These projects all offered a mix of on-ground facilitation individuals and have been impressed by their willingness to continue with support and incentives to landholders to undertake gorse control. Many of their efforts in the long term. Many do this work without any financial these projects had a strong emphasis on land manager education including assistance; it’s just something they do on an annual basis. This is the sort best practice advice. of program that is needed to beat this curse; a one off effort does not work, the control and eradication of Gorse requires a yearly commitment. We are grateful for the support of the Victorian Government, a sum of $130,000 was again provided to the VGT for our work in 2010/11. The The many people that volunteer their time on the committee are to be majority goes towards funding our Department of Primary Industries (DPI) commended and I thank them all for their support during the time that I hosted Executive Officer. The remainder is used to support on-ground have been Chair. These committed people make the taskforce what it is action. Importantly, the VGT has a strong relationship with DPI. The and all put in immeasurable time outside of meetings in promoting the Biosecurity Victoria division of DPI is represented on our committee and Gorse control message. DPI have committed to supporting our projects with regulatory support where community-led action is not enough to convince land managers of their obligations. Through our activities we continue to strive to implement the objectives of the Victorian Gorse Control Strategy 2008-2013. The on-ground projects that the VGT has supported have raised the profile of this document with Peter Everist many projects referencing the strategy and helping to implement the goals VGT Chair contained within.

victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 5 Background

The primary role of the VGT is to oversee the implementation of the Victorian Gorse Control Strategy. The ten principal Goals and Key Directions of the strategy are as follows:

1 The Victorian Gorse Control Strategy 6 Reduce infestations and the spread is coordinated at a State level of Gorse in and along pathways The Victorian Gorse Control Strategy (VGCS) A focus on the management of linear is implemented in liaison with the National corridors, which will be the major priority Gorse Coordinator and National Gorse Task for facilitators working with the community. Force, and programs are coordinated with 7 Achieve a reduction of Gorse other natural resource management (NRM) infestations within townships programs across Victoria, particularly with Township areas will be a high priority Regional Weed Plans. for control programs that protect public 2 Achieve an accurate knowledge of the assets. These projects will advocate to extent and threat of Gorse in Victoria the community that Gorse is an invasive Knowledge of the extent of Gorse plant that landholders are legally obliged distribution including ‘clean’ areas provides to manage. the basis for effective planning and delivery 8 Increase the community’s capacity of control programs. to be actively engaged in long-term 3 Promote Best Practice Management for Gorse control Gorse control in Victoria Communities are empowered to act and are Gorse control and site rehabilitation is committed to long-term control of Gorse, effective and efficient, using Best Practice and are supported to do so. Management methods. 9 Ensure compliance with statutory 4 Prevent the spread of Gorse into new obligations to control Gorse areas of the state Communities are aware of statutory An emphasis on programs in the areas responsibilities and the VGT will work with of the state that are at risk from invasion partners to ensure that these are enforced. by Gorse, where the focus will be on 10 Ensure effective monitoring and prevention of spread activities, partnership reporting of the VGCS development, community capacity building The implementation of the VGCS is and compliance. monitored, and stakeholders and the 5 Achieve a reduction in the core community are informed of progress. infestations of Gorse across Victoria Ongoing programs aimed at protecting key community assets, prioritised through the Regional Weed Plans, within core infestations.

6 victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 A key strategic direction for the Victorian Gorse Control Strategy is to divide the state of Victoria into three focus zones that consider the principles of invasive plant control and the mapping of present and predicted Gorse occurrence. These zones are: 1 Containment Zone – the core infestations of Gorse where the plant is widespread and abundant. 2 Reduction Zone – areas with substantial, scattered but not yet widespread and abundant populations. 3 Eradication and Prevention Zone – the part of Victoria where Gorse exists as isolated infestations or is predicted to occur.

victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 7 2010/11 Project Contributions to the Victorian Gorse Control Strategy

Strategy Goal Contributions by projects

Achieve an accurate knowledge of the extent and threat • All infestations as part of these projects have been mapped and photo-point of Gorse in Victoria monitoring completed in the majority of cases.

Promote Best Practice Management for Gorse control • 2000 copies of the “Controlling Gorse Successfully” brochure have been in Victoria distributed to project partners. • 4 field day type activities completed to promote Gorse Best Practice Management. • Over 200 landholders with a plan to control their Gorse infestations. • Multiple project partners engaged for all projects.

Reduce infestations and the spread of Gorse in and • 18 separate waterways targeted. along pathways • 4 projects with direct links to Municipal Council roadside Gorse control programs.

Prevent the spread of Gorse into new areas of the state • Isolated infestations treated in West Gippsland and the Upper Wimmera regions.

Achieve a reduction in core infestations across Victoria • Over 100 hectares of control achieved within core infestations (approximately 550 hectares achieved outside of these broadly defined areas).

Achieve a reduction in Gorse infestations within townships • Co-ordination of works undertaken by residents, CFA and Golden Plains Shire to remove gorse from the Linton Township and surrounds. • Reductions in Gorse infestations at Port Albert.

Increase the community’s capacity to be actively engaged • VGT funds provided to 8 projects to employ a Gorse Control Facilitator. in long-term Gorse control Over 200 landholders engaged. • Gorse control incentives provided to over 200 landholders.

8 victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 Photo courtesy of National Gorse Taskforce

victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 9 VGT SUPPORTED ON-GROUND GORSE CONTROL PROJECTS 2010/11

Through many of the projects supported by the VGT in 2010/11 employees of community-based organisations have been engaged to coordinate education and treatment programs for gorse control. The VGT committee recognises that this places a greater emphasis on voluntary compliance for gorse management rather than regulatory enforcement. The Department of Primary Industries continues to provide Executive Officer and compliance support for on-ground projects where appropriate. The projects that were supported by the VGT in 2010/11 had a focus upon the containment zones as per the Victorian Gorse Control Strategy 2008-2013. These projects also worked to prevent Gorse from impacting upon important environmental and agricultural assets.

YARRAWONGA COROWA WYCHEPROOF ALBURY MOAMA NUMURKAH RUTHERGLEN ECHUCA WODONGA TALLANGATTA

KYABRAM WANGARATTA ROCHESTER SHEPPARTON BEECHWORTH WEDDERBURN TATURA

INGLEWOOD BENALLA MYRTLEFORD ST ARNAUD VIOLET TOWN

BRIGHT BENDIGO EUROA

DUNOLLY HEATHCOTE MALDON SEYMOUR STAWELL MARYBOROUGH CASTLEMAINE MANSFIELD AVOCA

ALEXANDRA YEA KYNETON ARARAT KILMORE JAMIESON DAYLESFORD BEAUFORT GISBORNE WHITTLESEA MARYSVILLE BALLARAT SUNBURY HEALESVILLE SKIPTON BACCHUS MARSHMELTON LILYDALE WARBURTON MELBOURNE WERRIBEE NOOJEE MAFFRA DANDENONG ERICA CRESSY MORTLAKE SALE DROUIN GEELONG FRANKSTON WARRAGUL MOE TRARALGON TERANG CAMPERDOWN WINCHELSEA MORWELL QUEENSCLIFF COBDEN COLAC ROSEBUD ANGLESEA KORUMBURRA Legend COWES LEONGATHA VGT project areas 2011 LORNE SAN REMO VMLITE_TR_ROAD YARRAM WONTHAGGI ROAD_TYPE PORT CAMPBELL INVERLOCH FOSTER FREEWAY HIGHWAY APOLLO BAY NATIVE_VEGETATION_SU2 VMLITE_LOCALITY HIERARCHY 2011 Gorse Target Areas 2011

Disclaimer: This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without 60 30 0 60 Kilometers flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

10 victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 Ashbourne River Gorse – Ashbourne Landcare Group

VGT contribution Other contributions Total project cost Project partners

$730 $820 $1,550 Private landholders, Macedon Shire Council, Department of Primary Industries

This project involved targeting 5 properties that bounded both sides of the This project was coordinated completely by volunteers from the Landcare for approximately a 3 kilometre stretch. This project has Group. Spraying work proved to be difficult due to unseasonal rains, helped to implement the main aim of the Landcare Group’s five-year action however a successful result was achieved eventually. All funds contributed plan which is to protect the Campaspe River from weeds and pests and to the project went directly into on-ground works. Around 4.5 hectares of enhance the river banks with native plantings to improve biodiversity. Gorse control was achieved by the landholders involved.

Gorse treated with herbicide, Campaspe River.

victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 11 Bass Coast Integrated Gorse Control: Increasing the Momentum Stage 2 – Bass Coast Landcare Network

VGT contribution Other contributions Total project cost Project partners

$12,000 $25,000 $37,000 Private landholders, Phillip Island and Bass Valley Landcare Groups, Bass Coast Shire Council, Phillip Island Nature Park, VicRoads, Department of Primary Industries

Stage 1 (2009/10) of our long term project successfully recruited Gorse is one of the highest priority weeds as defined by local Landcare landholders, raised the profile of Gorse in the region and achieved large Groups and the Bass Coast Shire Council. Gorse is listed as a ‘Zero scale control works. Stage 2 has built on this by adding significantly to the Tolerance Weed’ in this area with landholders advised that it is not area under control and ensuring that all known infestations on private land acceptable to ‘keep it’ with the provision of much support available and are mapped and then treated each year. a significant awareness program. This project has identified infested areas, negotiated Gorse management Rain hampered some spraying and mechanical removal activities however strategies with landholders and assisted those landholders to take the project has achieved all objectives to date. 15 landholders have been proactive steps to effectively control their Gorse within a realistic timeline. engaged for 2010/11 and approximately 90 hectares of control works have been achieved. Herbicide application and mechanical removal (mulching) Ongoing awareness campaigns are run in the area coupled with control have been the control methods of choice. of Gorse on Public Land with funding provided by organisations and project partners such as VicRoads and the Bass Coast Shire Council. A small number of properties will be referred to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in 2011/12 as these properties have not undertaken Assets to protect from Gorse invasion include threatened Swamp Scrub, sufficient Gorse control action when compared to the standard that the Swamp Woodland and Grassy Woodlands and habitat for Southern Brown community expects. DPI will be asked to provide regulatory support to Bandicoot and Little Penguins (foxes are predators who use Gorse as harbour). ensure these landholders meet their pest control obligations.

Gorse mulching undertaken on Phillip Island. Gorse mulching undertaken on Phillip Island.

12 victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 Bellarine Gorse Control Project Stage 2 – Bellarine Landcare Group

VGT contribution Other contributions Total project cost Project partners

$12,284 $14,250 $26,534 Private landholders, City of Greater Geelong, Bellarine Rail Trail Advisory Committee, Department of Primary Industries

The removal of gorse from the Bellarine Peninsula is a key element of The extension of this project (year 2) has experienced some staffing the Bellarine Landcare Group's Strategic Plan. The Bellarine Rail Trail and issues being that 2 experienced part time staff had to cease employment adjacent private land is one of the focus areas for this project, other lines for personal reasons. Because of this the project is running behind along which gorse spreads are the roadsides and creeks. Many of the schedule. To date 6 landholders have been engaged to undertake Gorse creeks feed into the two Ramsar sites; and Swan Bay. control works with staff facilitation time dedicated to these landholders to ensure best practice Gorse management. Some mulching and herbicide This project involves the employment of a facilitator to engage with local applications have been completed. It is expected that the majority of the landholders and conduct site visits, negotiate an agreed control program project activities will be completed by November 2011. The group will with landholders and heighten awareness of the Gorse problem in the report back to the VGT once these activities are complete. local community. This is the second year that the VGT has supported this particular project and this has allowed the group to expand its targeted area for Gorse control. This particular project area has had ongoing issues with landholders not willing to meet their obligations (stemming from previous projects and year 1 of the VGT support). DPI will be asked to provide regulatory support to ensure these landholders meet their pest control obligations.

Mulched gorse (before), Bellarine Peninsula. Mulched gorse (after), Bellarine Peninsula.

victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 13 Sanctuary Revival – Cowes Primary School

VGT contribution Other contributions Total project cost Project partners

$1,000 $0 $1,000 Students, Parents

Located on the grounds of Cowes Primary School is a four hectare remnant vegetation area referred to as the Sanctuary. There is limited vegetation remaining on private land within the Shire and the remaining remnant vegetation is highly valued. Over the past 12 months the school has placed a large emphasis on maintaining and enhancing our Sanctuary (remnant vegetation, Swamp Scrub/Plains Grassy Woodland) to promote biodiversity of indigenous species and ensure the area can be enjoyed by students. The school was concerned that a number of pest species are beginning to establish themselves in this area. Of particular concern was Gorse which is extremely invasive and thrives under the climatic conditions. Prior to the completion of works around 10% (0.4ha) of the area was infested. As the Sanctuary is an isolated plot of bushland protected by neighbouring housing developments we believe it has the potential to become gorse free. The area was infested with a number of large seed producing gorse. Now these have been successfully removed by the contractors our students are able to continue the eradication process by hand pulling the soft juvenile seedlings. This is occurring on a regular basis by our environmental team. The school has also worked hard to educate the immediate school community and the community at large about the importance of managing and endeavouring to reduce gorse. The success of the school’s education initiative targeting gorse has been noted by students commenting that they have removed gorse from their own homes since learning about it. Students hand-removing Gorse, Cowes Primary School.

Go Gorse Go – Upper Mount Emu Creek Landcare Network

VGT contribution Other contributions Total project cost Project partners

$4,680 $12,940 $17,620 Ballarat City Council, Hepburn Shire Council, Pyrenees Shire Council, Private Landholders

6 Landcare Groups completed works through this project. All three In all very successful works were undertaken and completed across the 6 Shires (Ballarat, Hepburn and Pyrenees) ended up contributing funding participating groups. The $4,680 contribution by the GTF represented 30% for the project. of the total project contribution with Councils, Landcare and Landholders providing the other 70%. Around 6.5 hectares of Gorse control was achieved through works associated with this project.

14 victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 Rayner Gorse Project – Langley Landcare Group

VGT contribution Other contributions Total project cost Project partners

$1,850 $8,900 $10,750 Private landholders, North Central CMA

This project has a focus upon the asset of the Campaspe River and two unnamed tributaries. The banks of both creeks and the River are heavily infested with gorse. There is very difficult access to these areas with rocky surfaces and steep slopes. The 3ha of gorse infestation tackled had a density of coverage of about 75%. The gorse bushes were up to three metres high with the majority 2 metres high. The landscape was steep and rocky. The three contractors cut and sawed bushes by hand to a height of approx. 10 centimetres and then painted the wood stump with herbicide. The weather was generally wet and working conditions were extremely difficult, the contractors having to continually kneel to cut and paint. This work was completed in mid January, 2011, and an inspection of the area in June shows a very high kill rate (80%) of existing bushes. The stumps with regrowth (20%) will be re cut and painted in spring 2011. It is planned that the same contractors return in summer 2011/2012 and tackle the remaining 3ha in the same manner. Fencing of the area and revegetation are planned for year 3 of the project (2012/2013). In all about $9,500 was spent on labour and the remainder on herbicide and protective clothing. The incentive payment was the motivator in commencing this project. Gorse removed by the ‘cut and paint’ method, Campaspe River.

Gorse Control on the Latrobe Flood Plain between Traralgon and Rosedale – Latrobe Catchment Landcare Network

VGT contribution Other contributions Total project cost Project partners

$4,500 $13,800 $18,300 West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, Latrobe City, Wellington Shire, Department of Primary Industries, VicRoads

The Project area includes 79 farm families / landholders. contractors to deal with these areas motivated and encouraged landholders to continue control measures in areas they were able to The assets protected, in parallel to productive agricultural land, include access. Control was achieved along a 3 kilometre section of Flynn’s Creek, the riparian vegetation adjacent to the and its tributaries, this equated to around 9 hectares of Gorse infestation. remnant vegetation and the connectivity between all of these patches of vegetation. As part of the process, biodiversity was improved with local The project has also had an extension function conducting two field days, provenance understory plants replacing gorse in both riparian and remnant distributing gorse control information and responding to landholder’s patches of vegetation. queries on gorse control. Isolated infestations of Gorse were sprayed along approximately 3 km of steep terrain on Flynn’s Creek. Assisting landholders by engaging

victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 15 Stop the Spread – Eradication of Gorse from the Upper Wimmera Catchment – Project Platypus Inc

VGT contribution Other contributions Total project cost Project partners

$20,100 $20,800 $40,900 Wimmera CMA, Northern Grampians Shire, Ararat Rural City Council, Private Landholders

The aim of this project is to stop Gorse infesting the Upper Wimmera addition to the control and engagement activities this project aims for Catchment. The Victorian Gorse Control Strategy notes that Gorse has a landholders to take a greater responsibility for their Gorse by empowering high potential to establish in this area, therefore this investment is to them with information. prevent any new infestations and control those that already exist before Control works have been undertaken over an area of 177 ha on 15 properties their potential to become larger is realised. with Landholders, labour programs participants, volunteers and Project There has been a concerted effort over the last few years by Wimmera Platypus staff getting involved. Where applicable, landholders have made CMA, DPI, Project Platypus, Landcare Groups and Landholders in a financial contribution to the works and made a commitment to undertake eliminating Gorse from this region. This project not only focuses on control follow up work into the future. In addition Ararat Rural City Council has work but will also undertake an extensive program including media and engaged Project Platypus to control approximately 35ha of Gorse on visits to Landcare meetings to help try and identify any additional sites. roadsides. Further control works are to be undertaken in the coming In the Upper Wimmera Catchment the major assets that will be protected months. Follow up in subsequent years will help work towards the aim of from the Gorse threat include the Upper , Mt William Creek, eradicating Gorse from the Upper Wimmera by 2015. Mt Cole Creek, Concongella Creek and other smaller waterways. Other Flooding and higher than average rainfall has caused delays for this project, all assets included the federally listed threatened Grey-Box Woodland and remaining project activities are expected to be complete by November 2011. derived grasslands along with a number of threaten plants species. In

Gorse infestation prior to herbicide treatment, typical of the isolated infestations found in the project area.

16 victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 Gorse Control along the Buninyong Creek – Leigh Catchment Group

VGT contribution Other contributions Total project cost Project partners

$5,000 $21,500 $26,500 Department of Sustainability and Environment, City of Ballarat, Private Landholders, Corangamite CMA

This project has offered Gorse control incentives to the landholders This project aims to target the Buninyong Creek to reduce the spread whose land borders the Buninyong/Union Jack Creek. The City of Ballarat of gorse seed along the Creek and eventually into the high value Leigh assisted by facilitating a mail out about the project to all targeted River gorge downstream as defined by the Corangamite CMA River landholders. The area targeted is approximately 4 kilometres of creek Health Strategy. frontage. Gorse infestation width varies, it is estimated that the Gorse Some delays have been experienced in this project, it is expected that all infestation controlled so far is of about 4 hectares. In addition large areas project activities will be complete by November 2011. of Crown Land has been groomed and sprayed by contractors acting on behalf of the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

Small grants program to assist landholders control and manage core Gorse infestation along key waterway asset Thompson Creek – Surf Coast and Inland Plains Network

VGT contribution Other contributions Total project cost Project partners

$5,000 $5,100 $10,100 Corangamite CMA, Surf Coast, Torquay Landcare Group, Private Landholders

A core infestation of Gorse lies along a key public asset Thompson creek, which stretches 20km from the mouth at Breamlea to the upper reaches at Gherang. This project added value to other sourced investment which aims to enhance community knowledge, skills and education on Gorse control and management across the entire Surf Coast and Inland Plains Network. Gorse is a major threat to landscapes within the Surf Coast and Inland Plains Network, especially within the Thompson Creek Catchment. This incentive, to remove gorse via the cut and paint method has allowed gorse existing in inaccessible areas to be controlled and managed. Large thick gorse bushes also exist on properties within the broader catchment area. These situations are ideal for the cut and paint method, reducing plant surface area and improving control and management in the future. 7 hectares of Gorse control was achieved. The 4 landholders involved signed up to service agreements prior to the commencement of works this gave some surety that control measures would be undertaken. Control was achieved through cut and paint methods by both landholders and contractors.

Landholders discuss how to tackle a large Gorse infestation.

victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 17 Gippsland Coastal Plains Gorse Control Program – Yarram Yarram Landcare Network

VGT contribution Other contributions Total project cost Project partners

$25,000 $22,500 $47,500 West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, Wellington Shire Council, Department of Primary Industries, Parks Victoria, South Gippsland Water, Gippsland Water, Port Albert Progress Association, Great Southern Rail Trail Committee

The "Gippsland Coastal Plains Gorse Control Program – Yarram Landcare number of landholders have not been willing to participate in control works Leading the Way" has continued to provide valuable community support associated with this project. DPI will be asked to provide regulatory and extension to our prior investment in Gorse control across the project support to ensure these landholders meet their pest control obligations. area. By extending and building on the 2009-2010 program the second YYLN encompasses a large geographic area from the southern extent of round of the GCPGCP has significantly increased community awareness, the near Seaspray to the RAMSAR listed Corner Inlet & momentum and the willingness to remove and control Gorse. Over 600 Nooramunga systems, with Wilson's Promontory to the south. The program hectares of Gorse infestations on private land, has now been successfully has helped to protect the following key waterway assets as identified by treated through this program from December 2009 to June 2011 (300 the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority's River Health hectares for 2010/11). Over 800 Gorse control brochures were distributed Strategy: Merriman, Bruthen, Tarra and Albert Creeks. to landholders and one weed awareness field day was held. A small

Gorse infestations typical of that found within the project area. Photos taken prior to herbicide treatment.

Birch’s Creek – Ullina Landcare Group

VGT contribution Other contributions Total project cost Project partners

$1,600 $9,600 $11,200 Private Landholders, North Central CMA

This project has a focus on Birch's Creek over a distance of about The project has controlled the plant and minimised the spread of seed 8 kilometres covering 16 landowners. Birch's Creek is the main asset along the waterway and facilitated the control of Gorse over approximately within the Ullina Landcare Group’s area and considerable investment 7 hectares. has taken place within this area over the past 14 years.

18 victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 Upper Hopkins Land Management Group

VGT contribution Other contributions Total project cost Project partners

$5,000 $14,140 $19,140 Ararat Rural City Council, Private Landholders, Ararat Landcare Group

This project focused upon Gorse on waterways and complemented an Some delays have been experienced, the main issues have been weather existing program of Gorse control on roadsides is being implemented with related. Massive spring and summer rains have caused flooding resulting funds from the Ararat Rural City Council. Waterways targeted included in lack of access and reduced time in which weather was suitable for Captains, Jacksons, Gorrinn, Denicull, Fiery and Billy Billy Creeks and spraying. Landholders will continue to be involved with this project as the the . About 50 landholders are involved in this project. conditions for treatment improve. 20 kilometres of Creek/River frontage has been treated during this project; this equates to approximately 20 hectares of Gorse control. A large list of roadsides within the Ararat Rural City Council was treated within the same timeframe.

Gorse free assets in the Woady Yaloak Catchment – Woady Yaloak Catchment Group

VGT contribution Other contributions Total project cost Project partners

$16,660 $17,840 $34,500 Private Landholders, Golden Plains Shire, Ballarat City Council, Woady Yaloak Equestrian Centre, Progress Association (Dales Landcare Group), Parks Victoria

On-ground progress to date (some weather related delays have occurred):

Activity Target Progress

Gorse control Misery 14 ha of gorse control 7 landholders – spraying. 4 completed (approx 9 ha), 3 delayed due to wet weather. Moonlight area by spraying

Gorse control 5 ha of gorse control 5 landholders – spraying. 4 completed (approx 7 ha), 1 delayed due to wet weather. Rokewood area by spraying

Further project components: As part of this project the Dales Landcare Group has expanded the area of gorse treatment in the upper reaches of the Woady Yaloak River through Project partners, the Pittong Hoyles Creek Landcare Group has undertaken the preparation of a co-ordinated plan and ensuring ongoing treatment of a clean-up of weeds, predominantly gorse, in and around the entrances to regrowth. Gorse control work on private land was delayed until after the Linton, as their contribution to the celebration of Linton’s 150th Anniversary. completion of the coordinated plan for the area. The Landcare Group will Key public and corporate land managers were contacted and asked to contact and work with landholders in this area over the next twelve support the program by controlling weeds on their land. Landholders and months to treat gorse, this work will continue into 2011/12. businesses were asked to make donations to raise funds to employ a contractor to undertake roadside weed spraying within the town boundaries. Donations of more than $800 have been made to date and this work will proceed by making use of these donations during spring 2011.

victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 19 income and expenses

Summary of VGT income for 2010/11:

Amount Source

$130,000 Victorian Government, Department of Primary Industries (Biosecurity Victoria)

Summary of VGT expenses for 2010/11:

Amount Expense

$60,000 Employment of the VGT Executive Officer through the Department of Primary Industries

$115,404 On-ground projects for 2010/11

20 victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 Wangaratta Shepparton

Benalla

NORTH EAST

Horsham Bendigo WIMMERA NORTH CENTRAL

GOULBURN BROKEN

Seymour Maryborough Castlemaine Stawell Alexandra

Ararat

Ballarat

Hamilton GLENELG HOPKINS AND WESTERNPORT

Sale Warragul WEST GIPPSLAND CORANGAMITE Geelong Morwell

Colac Portland Warrnambool

This map prepared by Tony Cuzner Landscape Protection Strategies GIS Services Freeway Catchment Boundaries Historic Gorse Target Areas 00/01 04/05 08/09 DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES Gorse Target Areas Map Produced: 3 May 2010 Highway Gorse Target Roadsides (1999-2003) 98/00* 01/02 05/06 * 98/00 and 98/02 H:\DPI\_GIS_projects\Gorse_Mapping\Gorse_target_Areas_Map_1998-2010.mxd 1998 - 2010 are displayed as such Contains cgdl information © The State of Victoria 98/02* Disclaimer: This publication may be of assistance to you but the Main Road Gorse Target Areas 2009/10 02/03 06/07 because this is how the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for 105 0 10 20 30 99/00 data was entered into your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for Watercourse 03/04 07/08 any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you km GIS layer relying on any information in this publication.

victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 21 Appendix One

Photo courtesy of National Gorse Taskforce

2010/11 VGT Members

Nigel Ainsworth DPI – Biosecurity Victoria Jenny Blake Golden Plains Shire David Clark Upper Mount Emu Landcare Network Ron Cosgrave North Central CMA, Natural Resource Management Committee Doug Dalgleish Newham and District Landcare Group John Drife Mt Bolton/Beckworth Landcare Group Peter Everist VGT Chair – Haddon Landcare Group / Woady Yaloak Project Singarayer Florentine University of Ballarat Martin Forbes Dales Landcare Group / Woady Yaloak Project Peter Forster Upper Hopkins Land Management Group Margaret Hatton Sunday Creek / Sugarloaf Sub-Catchments Inc Shane Herbertson Executive Officer Lillian Parker Glenelg Hopkins CMA Brian Rowe Blampied-Kooroocheang Landcare Group Robert Watson Leigh Catchment Group / Napoleons-Enfield Landcare Group

22 victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 victorian gorse taskforce progress report 2010/11 23 Photo courtesy of National Gorse TaskforceGorse National of courtesy Photo

SDD-11-0677