Partnering to tackle pests on the Mornington Peninsula – a Landcare approach

 

The Mornington Peninsula Landcare Network has been successful in securing nearly $40,000 through Agriculture Victoria’s Partnerships Against Pests Grants program. This funding will support our Partnering to tackle pests on the Mornington Peninsula project, which is set to commence in early 2025.

This initiative brings together a dynamic network of partners, including the Mornington Peninsula Shire, Westernport Biosphere Foundation, Melbourne Water, Bunurong Land Council, Parks Victoria, Australian Association of Bushland Regenerators and the Friends of Flinders Coastline. Together, we aim to strengthen pest and weed management across the Mornington Peninsula.

The program aims to ensure that the people most affected by the problem of established weeds and pest animals are central in the process of defining the problem and co-creating strategies and new community-based projects to build community capacity and support on-ground action.

Established weeds and pest animals damage our landscapes and waterways, cause substantial production losses and damage culturally sensitive sites of First Nations people. Generally, established weeds are those that are listed as regionally controlled or regionally prohibited under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Established pest animals are those listed under the Act.

The project will deliver practical knowledge to volunteers and professionals around pest and weed management and Traditional Owner land management practices, through collaborative partnerships, training sessions, in-person events and accessible resources.

Project deliverables include workshops and field days designed to help the community understand and take action on priority pest plant and animals, delivery of a series of print brochures, webpage development, and provision of signage located along key roadsides on the Mornington Peninsula.

This program will assist Landcare groups to educate, strengthen relationships, and promote collaboration in managing established invasive weeds and pest animals at a local level. The collaborative approach ensures that volunteers and professionals alike gain access to the best tools, practices and networks available.

The project is more than just an opportunity to combat weeds and pests—it’s a chance to build a stronger, more connected Landcare community. This initiative reflects the Mornington Peninsula Landcare Network’s commitment to empowering the community and improving outcomes in best practice pest and weed management.

Partnering to tackle pests on the Mornington Peninsula community engagement events coming in 2025 

 

Partnering to tackle Pests on the Peninsula – a Landcare approach is supported by the Victorian Government through the Partnerships Against Pests program.