WeedStop Vehicle Hygiene Program

Weeds are spread by stock, fodder, soil and vehicles. To help prevent the unnecessary spread of weeds, this program provides landholders and contractors (earthmovers, cartage contractors, harvesters, etc.) with a practical tool to reduce weed spread. The spread of weeds from one location to another is a significant issue threatening the integrity and adding to the cost of managing our agricultural, natural and recreational ecosystems. The WeedStop program is of interest to land owners/managers and contractors as the risk of spreading weeds increases when people, vehicles and machinery travel regularly between properties and regions. The concepts discussed are relevant to all persons passing through public and private land during the course of income-producing or recreational activities. Furthermore, the principles of weed spread and machinery hygiene covered in this program are also relevant to reducing the spread of pests and diseases. Participants satisfactorily completing the requirements of the workshop receive a Certificate of Attainment in the nationally accredited units “RTD2312A: Inspect Machinery for Plant, Animal and Soil Material” and “RTD2313A: Clean Machinery of Plant, Animal and Soil Material”. These units can contribute to a range of certificate courses in Rural Production or Conservation and Land Management. On the completion of this course, a Certificate of “Weed Movement, Machinery Inspection and Cleaning” is also be issued. Pre-requisites There are no formal pre-requisites for the workshop, but a basic knowledge of weeds and machinery operation is desirable. Basic literacy skills are required to complete some activities and participants should be physically able to demonstrate the cleaning of machinery and associated equipment. Where these requirements cannot be met, there may be scope for allowable adjustments.

For further information contact:
Michael Moerkerk
Weed Alert Training Officer
michael.moerkerk@dpi.vic.gov.au