The Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT) is running a community extension program in Blampied and Kooroocheang to raise further awareness of gorse in the region.
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The VGT said gorse, an introduced species from Europe, had negative impacts on property value, environmental biodiversity and agricultural productivity. In addition, it provided harbour for pests and increased fire risk around buildings.
As gorse infestations occur around Hepburn Shire, landholders in targeted areas will receive a mailout with the offer of free property visits to provide tailored advice on gorse identification and management, as well as a property map of where gorse infestations are located.
VGT Chairman Peter Everist said gorse was highly invasive and persistent.
“The longevity of gorse seeds can be decades, meaning one year of seeding generates decades of weeding.”
VGT Communications, Community Engagement and Extension Officer Heidi Snow said the extension program aimed to raise awareness of gorse and provide landowners with resources to confidently tackle infestations on their property.
The program is being run in partnership with local community groups, Hepburn Shire Council and the State Government.
The VGT will have a stall at the Daylesford Sunday Market on Sunday August 19 for landowners to receive more information about the extension program.