Better Services to Farmers Case Study: New Gorse Management Approach
In tackling the spread of gorse – an invasive weed – DPI has had an ongoing partnership with the Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT) since 1999. This relationship has matured greatly and in light of Better Services to Farmers, is undergoing some significant changes resulting in a more collaborative approach to managing the problem.
The VGT oversees the coordination and implementation of the Victorian Gorse Control Strategy, providing strategic direction for the management of gorse. Previously, they had paid DPI Pest Management Officers to deliver education, treatment and compliance projects with land managers across Victoria.
However, a VGT service delivery review concluded that there was potential for alternative delivery methods, and that there were community providers better placed to deliver some of these services (for example, community-based staff and independent contractors).
In response, a new collaborative approach has been developed. The VGT will engage community based people to deliver the initial components of on-ground projects including the provision of educational information and helping landholders to plan treatment programs for infestations on their land. This effort will be supported by DPI.
This approach builds on the existing partnership between DPI and VGT to implement a new, efficient and cost-effective way of delivering the gorse control message. DPI will continue to provide Executive Officer and regulatory compliance support for projects.
By drawing on community provider expertise in natural resource management this approach will foster a more integrated gorse management program and will be a significant step closer to embedding it into every-day good practice land management.
In addition, the community-based approach provides more targeted, relevant and accessible information for land managers which helps them to make better informed decisions, become adaptable to the increasing impact of invasive plants and manage this problem more effectively.
Partnerships
The VGT is the peak body for Gorse management in Victoria and is led by community members. The VGT includes representatives of local communities, Landcare groups, Catchment Management Authorities, local government, DSE and DPI.
Service delivery is a collaborative effort led by community members and supported by DPI.
