Eradication Eradicate from the Shire newly established invasive species with a restricted distribution and low abundance. Containment Prevent the further increase in distribution and abundance of invasive species already present throughout the Shire. Management Invasive species are identified and actively managed within and adjacent to high value assets, but are not actively controlled outside these areas. Figure 1: The biosecurity approach (adapted from DELWP publications) A fuller description of the invasive species management categories and the actions relating to them is provided in Appendix 2. Priorities for species management Management priority is on the threat of the invasive species (high or low) against the feasibility of controlling the threat (easy or hard). High priority invasive species are species which must be removed, medium priority invasive species are species that should be removed, and low priority invasive species are species that could be removed. Invasive species management priorities can be decided using this approach: Table 1: Determining invasive species management priorities Invasive species threat Invasive species threat Threat Low Threat High Feasibility of control Hard Low Priority (4th) Medium Priority (2nd) Easy Medium Priority (3rd) High Priority (1st) Scale of management The threat potential of all species can also be considered at different scales including at the level of an individual property, a particular wetland or bushland reserve, or a Landcare area. For example, while pine trees and cherry plums are classified as an established invasive species across the Shire only to be managed to protect high value assets, if one of them were to appear on an individual property as a new and emerging weed, the owner would treat that pine tree or the cherry plum as an invasive species to be eradicated immediately. Consequently the management plans for individual properties and reserves will reflect the biosecurity approach at
Potential target projects Christmas Hills, Strathewen and St Andrews deer control Chilean Needle Grass Outliers Targeted Control Project Patersons Curse Targeted Control Project (Yarrambat) Buttermans Track area targeted weed control project Community rabbit control groups Nillumbik Roadside weed program Landcare demonstration site Weed mapping No. Actions Responsibility Timeframe Status Research and investigation A1 on-ground assessment and mapping of the extent of infestation by species (in consultation with relevant agencies, Landcare Groups and the Agriculture Advisory Committee). Environmental Planning June 2015 In progress A2 Continuously review the priority invasive species and priority control zones (in consultation with relevant agencies, Landcare Groups and the Agriculture Advisory Committee). Environmental Planning Ongoing In progress Coordination A3 Continue to support Landowners, Landcare groups and Nillumbik Landcare Network to manage invasive species. Environmental Planning Ongoing In progress A4 Coordinate Council and agency works with private landholder works. Environmental Planning Ongoing In progress Community awareness A5 Work in partnership with DELWP to increase community awareness about species listed under the Prevent and Eradicate categories (Appendix 2). Environmental Planning Ongoing To commence November 2015 A6 Coordinate with and support awareness raising activities of the Nillumbik Landcare Network through its website, walks and field days organised by individual landcare groups. Environmental Planning Ongoing In progress Extension and technical support
A7 Hold targeted invasive species management field days that relate to agricultural land. Environmental Planning 2 per year In progress A8 In conjunction with the Nillumbik Landcare Network, conduct property planning courses. Environmental Planning 1 per year In progress A9 Undertake private property site inspections to provide advice in relation to improved agricultural land management with the additional potential of providing assistance via Council’s incentive programs. Environmental Planning 25 per year In progress A10 Continue to provide technical and administrative support to the Nillumbik Landcare Network. Environmental Planning June 2015 In progress A11 Provide advice and assistance for landholders to develop property management Environmental Planning 10 per year In progress Incentives A12 Provide small grants in targeted areas to landholders for actions to manage invasive species on their land. Environmental Planning 30 per year In progress A13 Provide medium grants to assist groups of adjoining landowners to cooperatively manage invasive species across their properties. Environmental Planning 20 per year In progress A14 Provide grants to Landcare Groups for invasive species management each year. Environmental Planning 3 per year In progress A15 Continue to administer and assess the Sustainable Agricultural Rebate (SAR) for large (30ha+) agricultural properties across Nillumbik and review a proportion of SAR Property Management Plans each year. Environmental Planning 15 per year In progress A16 Monitor and review the effectiveness of the Land Management Incentive Program. Environmental Planning Annually In progress Sources of potential funding and other resources Partner with Nillumbik Landcare Network to seek, administer and utilise other sources of funding for management of invasive species on private land. Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund (VBAF) grants available until December 2014. Landcare equipment hire/borrow opportunities (e.g. Landcare tool trailers).
Nillumbik Landcare Network, Nillumbik Conservation Corridors Project and other agencies such as DELWP, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, VicRoads, VicTrack and the Port Phillip & Westernport Catchment Management Authority. B4 Coordinate Council and agency land management with private landholder works. Environmental Planning Environmental Melbourne Water Parks Victoria Ongoing In progress Community awareness B5 Promote priority invasive species through Landcare Groups, Friends Groups, Nillumbik Landcare Network, Nillumbik Conservation Corridors, Nillumbik News and Fringe Focus. Environmental Planning Environmental Quarterly To commence April 2015 B6 Promote the uptake of Trust for Nature Conservation Covenants to protect high quality bushland. Environmental Planning Ongoing To commence April 2015 Extension and technical support B7 Hold two targeted invasive species management field days that relate to private bushland management each year. Environmental Planning Nillumbik Conservation Corridors Project 2 per year In progress B8 Undertake private property site inspections to provide advice in relation to improved bushland management with the additional potential of providing assistance via Council incentive programs. Environmental Planning 25 site inspections per year In progress B9 Continue to provide support to the Nillumbik Conservation Corridors Project. Environmental Planning Until June 2016 In progress B10 Provide support for the development of bushland management Environmental Planning 5 plans per year In progress