September 9th, 2023Getting roadside weeds under control 

In the last financial year, 165 kilometres of environmental weed control was carried out on approximately 2,500 km of Hepburn Shire-managed roadsides, the council is reporting.

It says these works contributed to agricultural biosecurity, biodiversity protection, reduction of bushfire hazard and increase in amenity.

Contractors conducted mechanical grooming and/or chemical application according to the weed level and native vegetation.

Works are overseen by the shire’s Environmental Works and Biodiversity officers with the shire’s Infrastructure Team and funded by a combination of the shire’s budget and the state-funded Roadside Weed and Pest Program.

The shire aims to grow the proportion of roads that are patrolled and maintained, ultimately reducing the need for expensive intensive treatments. This goal will be developed through the Roadside Conservation Plan from the Council’s 2021-2026 action plan.