Weeds on the Bellarine

Land stewards across the Bellarine Peninsula are taking action to care for their farms and patches of native bush by identifying and controlling weeds.

Put simply a weed is a plant out of place, and they pose a big threat to our natural environment. Weeds outcompete native plants, prevent regeneration of bushland and take over farmland. They reduce agricultural production and impact land values. Weeds harbour feral animals such as rabbits, foxes and feral cats.

Weeds spread through seeds and cuttings carried by the wind, birds, animals, water, and vehicles, as well as by the inappropriate dumping of rubbish. People living adjoining bushland should be aware of “garden escapees”, plants in their gardens with the potential to spread and degrade bushland.

Under Victoria’s Catchment and Land Protection Act (CaLP) 1994, some plants are declared as noxious weeds and land stewards are legally responsible for their control.