Local farmers and landholders in East Gippsland will benefit from state funding supporting community-led pest management, with more than $347,000 allocated across Victoria to tackle invasive species.
The Partnerships Against Pests grants program, announced by Agriculture Minister Ros Spence, will back initiatives targeting pests such as blackberry, rabbits, gorse, and serrated tussock – threats that directly impact farmland, biodiversity, and local landscapes.
Groups set to receive funding include the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce, which will use $76,553 over the next 12 months to collaborate with communities on practical solutions, and the Victorian Rabbit Action Network, which will receive $44,900 to run its Community Leadership in Rabbit Management course.
An additional $31,400 will support a
two-year video series demonstrating rabbit exclusion fencing.
A further $99,000 over two years will fund a public directory to help landholders with enquiries about rabbits, gorse, and serrated tussock. The Victorian Serrated Tussock
Working Party has also been allocated $47,500 to support partnerships that improve
long-term management.
Minister Spence said the grants strengthened the capacity of local communities to act directly against pests affecting their land.
“These groups are leading the fight against pests where it matters most – in local communities – and this funding strengthens their ability to educate, engage and act,” she said.
Victorian Rabbit Action Network Chair Gerald Leach highlighted the importance of empowering communities to manage pests.
“The program allows us to reach more local landholders and train new community rabbit control mentors, helping East Gippsland
farmers protect their livestock, crops, and property,” he said.
Community Pest Management Groups are known for delivering practical results on the ground, embedding local expertise and leadership while addressing state-wide
pest challenges.
