Time's ticking for Tasmania's priority weeds

The Tasmanian Government’s $6.4 million Weeds Action Fund has announced 11 successful applicants for projects to be funded in its targeted small grants round, facilitated by NRM North, with support from NRM South and Cradle Coast Authority.

African Boxthorn2

African Boxthorn is one weed currently being targeted across Tasmania.

Demonstrating the shared responsibility of weed management, the projects use co-investment from applicants of cash and in-kind contributions to extend the Rockliff Liberal Government’s investment of $347,906 to a total investment for this round of over $800,000.

Weeds Action Fund Coordinator, John White from NRM North said applications were received from a wide range of candidates including local government, private landholders, community groups and business.

“Weeds know no borders, which is why farmers can often be overwhelmed when faced with weed issues, making a joint approach to weed management most successful,” Mr White said.

The Weeds Action Fund supports farmers and community organisations to reduce or eradicate weeds that pose a serious threat to agricultural and environmental assets across the state. Strong headway is being made, with projects underway in all areas of the state, targeting weeds such as Paterson’s curse, Ricegrass, Stemless Thistle, Asparagus Fern, Besom heath and African boxthorn.

Primary Industries and Water Minister Jo Palmer said grants were available for new projects that targeted the containment or eradication of priority weeds and demonstrated collaborative partnerships across property borders.

“This grant round also supported existing projects that broadened their impact or geographical range,” Minister Palmer said.

Minister Palmer congratulated the successful recipients:

  • Circular Head Landcare Group
  • Southern Midlands Council
  • Tamar NRM
  • Sorell and Tasman Council
  • King Island Landcare
  • Derwent Catchment Project
  • Barwick Family Trust
  • Enviro-dynamics
  • Bicheno Landcare
  • Clarence City Council
  • Friends of Bass Straight Islands

More information about the successful recipients is available at nre.tas.gov.au/invasive-species/weeds/tasmanian-weeds-action-fund

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