Pest Plants and Animals
Pest Plants
There are a range of negative impacts associated with noxious weeds within the Australian landscape such as:
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Reduced productivity and product quality
Reduced water quality
Creation of harbour for pest animals
Reduced biodiversity
Negative impacts on ecosystem services
Controlling weeds helps to reduce the risk of seeds and plant material spreading to unaffected areas of your property and to
neighbouring properties. Successful long-term weed control requires an integrated management approach.
What are my responsibilities?
There are various classifications of noxious weeds under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Each class of weed
has its own requirements for landholders. Each weed is classified differently depending on which Catchment the weed is
located.
As a land owner or land manager it is important to understand your responsibilities for managing the different class of weeds.
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State Prohibited - The Victorian State Government is responsible for the eradication of these weeds on all land. If
any of these weeds are found they must be reported to the Victorian Department of Environment, Water, Land and
Planning (DEWLP).
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Regionally Prohibited - The relevant land owner, lessee or management authority is responsible for the eradication
of these weeds.
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Regionally Controlled - The relevant land owner, lessee or management authority is responsible for prevention of
growth and spread of these weeds.
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Restricted - The relevant land owner, lessee or management authority is responsible for preventing any trade or
spread of these weeds to other states or territories.
Weeds that are not listed under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 are considered environmental or agricultural
weeds. While there are no legislative requirements to control environmental or agricultural weeds, land owners are
encouraged to remove these species, especially in areas with high conservation value.
What is Council’s responsibility?
Council, like any other land owner is responsible for controlling noxious weeds on Council managed land such as roadsides
and reserves.
Who is responsible for enforcement on private land?
Local Government has no enforcement powers with respect to noxious weed control on private property. This function is the
responsibility of the Victorian Department of Environment, Water, Land and Planning (DEWLP).
Working together is the best way to achieve holistic outcomes across the landscape, so have a friendly chat with your
neighbour about how you can collaborate to control weeds.
For more information about weeds and different control techniques, visit the Victorian Department of Environment, Water,
Land and Planning’s weeds website at www.depi.vic.gov.au/agriculture-and-food/pests-diseases-and-weeds/weeds
Pest Animals
Pest animals can have major environmental, economic and social impacts on your farm. They can cause significant damage
to crops and seriously impact productivity by preying on stock and competing for pasture. The survival of many of Australia’s
native plants and animals are also at risk due to predation, competition and habitat destruction by pest animals.
It has been estimated that eleven of Australia’s major pest animals (wild populations of foxes, pigs, rabbits, mice, goats, carp,
dogs, cane toads, camels, cats and horses) have negative impacts in Australia valued at over $720 million per annum
(McLeod 2004).
For more information about different pest animal control methods, visit the Victorian Department of Environment, Water, Land
and Planning’s pest animals website at www.depi.vic.gov.au/agriculture-and-food/pests-diseases-and-weeds/pest-animals
Agricultural Chemical Users Permit (ACUP)
An Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP) is a 10-year permit issued by Department of Environment, Water, Land and
Planning (DEWLP) to appropriately trained chemical users, which authorises the purchase of 'restricted supply' chemicals and
use of 'restricted use' chemicals (e.g. Schedule 7 poisons) in Victoria.
Restricted supply and use information: http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/agriculture-and-food/farm-management/chemicaluse/restricted-use-chemicals
Restricted use:
ACUPs do not authorise the holder to use these chemicals for a fee or reward (e.g. to operate as a spray contractor).
To be eligible for an ACUP you need to complete an accredited course.
For more information about ACUPs and where to undertake the necessary training, visit the Victorian Department of
Environment, Water, Land and Planning’s ACUP website at http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/agriculture-and-food/farmmanagement/chemical-use/agricultural-chemical-use/licenses-permits-and-forms/agricultural-chemical-users-permit
Sourced: 9 September 2015