Invasive Plants and Animals

Invasive Plants

Weeds have a serious impact on agricultural enterprises and various species are causing serious degradation of native vegetation and threatening the region's biodiversity values. Despite large commitments of time and money by private landholders and public land managers, weeds remain a major land management problem throughout the region.

Boneseed (foreground) is prevalent in the You Yangs ranges

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) monitors infestations of priority weeds and records details, including the area and severity of infestation, in its Integrated Pest Management System (IPMS) database. Mapping and monitoring is undertaken on a continuous basis but is not complete for the region. Some of the major weed species occurring in the Werribee region include Serrated Tussock (widespread throughout much of the region), Chilean Needle Grass, Alligator Weed, Patersons Curse and Boneseed.

In conjunction with DPI/DSE, the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority has drafted a regional Weed Action Plan (external link) to provide a strategic approach to weed management across the region. The plan defines three categories of the most serious weed species - medium priority weeds, high priority weeds, and new and emerging weeds.


Pest Animals

Rabbits have had a serious impact on farm profitability, soil stability, native vegetation and water quality. Despite significant amounts of resources (time and money) being spent on rabbit control by private landholders and public land managers, rabbits remain a major land management issue. In conjunction with DPI/DSE, the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority has drafted a regional Rabbit Action Plan to provide a strategic approach to rabbit management.

source: Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority Annual Report 2000/01.

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