Tackling woody weeds: managing blackberry and beyond

ONCE again woody weeds are booming across the Mansfield Shire.

Species like blackberry, briar rose, broom, gorse and thistle are causing significant problems for farmers and landholders alike.

Among these, blackberry is particularly invasive, posing both environmental and agricultural threats.

This year, Up2Us, through the Victorian Landcare Grants has funding available to support landholders to tackle their woody weeds.

1. Single landholder rebates of 50% up to $350 for the control of woody weeds by using woody weed specific herbicides or engaging a local weed contractor.

1. For multiple landholders working together on strategic multi-property weed control programs, incentives of a 50:50 co contribution up to $450 per property for the control of woody weeds by using woody weed specific herbicides or engaging a local weed contractor. To be eligible for this a minimum of three properties is required.

1. Individuals for the control of woody weeds as well as a $100 bonus incentive for landholders taking leadership roles forming neighbourhood woody weed collectives for the control of woody weeds across multiple properties.

1. Individual site visits with Up2Us weed coordinator to develop a 4-year weed control plan for the property or area.

1. Annual woody weed control workshop, held in March every year.

1. a 200-litre spray unit with 30 metre hose for hire to landholders who are spraying woody weeds.