Rural City of Wangaratta Council has been allocated more than $50,000 of annual Victorian government funding to help manage weeds and pests along rural city roads. Acting Minister for Local Government, Melissa Horne, recently announced 45 councils would receive up to $85,000 each. Wangaratta council were recipients of $54,319, consistent with previous years. A council spokeswoman said the rural city also invests further resources from its own budget to support the vital work. “Each year, council undertakes targeted spraying across 2000 kilometres of rural roadsides, guided by detailed weed mapping to prioritise high-risk areas,” she said. “While this program supports broader land management goals, its primary focus is not fire mitigation, though it does offer secondary benefits such as improved roadside access and visibility for emergency services during emergency response situations. “These efforts help protect biodiversity, support agricultural productivity, and maintain the safety and function of rural roadsides.” Spraying is typically carried out in spring, summer, and autumn when treatment is most effective. The council spokeswoman said key areas of concern include Chilean needle grass in Tarrawingee, Milawa and Oxley; blackberry infestations in the southern municipality; and rabbit control around Hamilton Park. “Council engages local contractors, supporting regional employment and leveraging their knowledge of the local landscape,” she said. “Persistent weed species such as Chilean needle grass, St John’s wort, and African love grass remain a significant challenge. “Council continues to advocate to the Department of Transport and Planning to ensure that state-managed roadsides, especially those adjoining council-managed areas, are also treated appropriately.” The spokeswoman said community members concerned about declared noxious weeds or pest animals on council-managed roadsides are encouraged to check species listings via Agriculture Victoria or submit a customer request via council’s website or contact customer service if the species is listed and located on a council-managed roadside. “Council’s Environment and Sustainability team will assess and respond accordingly,” she said. The Victorian Budget 2025/26 will invest $976 million in a Better Roads Blitz to fix potholes and upgrade road surfaces right across Victoria. More information on the Roadside Weeds and Pests Program can be found on localgovernment.vic.gov.au.
