Invasive plants and animals are having pronounced environmental and economic impacts in the Wimmera. Australia-wide, invasive animals alone cost more than $700 million a year in lost production and management costs. Costs associated with invasive plants are estimated to be close to $4 billion.

Despite Wimmera control of invasive plants and animals attracting significant investment during the past decade, the problem is much larger than the resources that are available. 

What are we doing about it?

The region has a new Wimmera Invasive Plant and Animal Management Strategy, which was developed by Wimmera CMA,  the Department of Primary Industries, the Department of Sustainability and Environment and Parks Victoria. This plan outlines who does what in terms of managing invasive plants and animals. This plan is a significant step forward in ensuring that the investment of public funds into the control of Wimmera invasive plants and animals goes further.

The key to maximising this funding is a coordinated approach between agencies and others such as landowners, Landcare groups, local government, industry and the broader community.

You can download a copy of the plan here:  Wimmera Invasive Plant Animal Management Strategy (2.72 MB)

What is an invasive species? 

The definition of an invasive species is:

'mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds and both terrestrial and freshwater plants that are not indigenous to Victoria.' 

Over-abundant native species are managed under the Wildlife Act 1975 and invasive fish species are dealt with under the Fisheries Act 1995 and are not part of this strategy.

What do we want to achieve with this plan?

Through this coordinated and strategic approach, we want to prevent new highly invasive plants or animals becoming established and to protect high-value assets.

Further information

To find out more you can email Wimmera CMA on  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  or phone (03) 5382 1544.