Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) regional project co-ordinator, Brian Dowley said 44 projects had been awarded funding over the next three years to help reduce the impacts of weeds and pest animals in the area’s parks and forests.

“Pest plants and animals significantly impact on the region’s natural environment as well as affecting the productivity of the land,” he said.

As part of the Good Neighbour Program, pest management works will be undertaken in locations along the public-private land boundary including river frontages, rail trails and recreational reserves.

The works will target weed and pest animal species such as blackberry, English Broom, Patterson’s Curse, and St John’s Wort, as well as wild dogs, pigs, foxes and rabbits.

The majority of the works will be undertaken this financial year and then followed up over the next two years.

Works are planned for parks, forests and reserves near Omeo, Bairnsdale, Orbost, Cann River, Nowa Nowa and Bendoc.

This includes, for example, $18,500 towards major feral pig control programs in the Alpine and Croajingolong National Parks and forest areas in the Cann River Valley and around Bonang and Bendoc.

Mr Dowley said DSE will work with Parks Victoria, the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, landowners and community groups to get the works done.

“Local knowledge is vital and by working together we can make a real difference in the fight to control pests,” he said.

“The joint approach helps ensure that we take into account local priorities as well as support community based programs and initiatives.”

For further information visit www.dse.vic.gov.au or call the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186.