Rabbits and a number of weed species are considered to be significant pests in the Wimmera. Pests such as these are a threat to biodiversity and can cause major losses in agricultural productivity. Surveys indicate that pest plants and animals are a concern to Wimmera landholders.

Rabbits

Examples of the types of problems rabbits can cause in the Wimmera include:

• Overgrazing which destroys the normal shrub layer in native vegetation communities and opens the area to weed invasion and soil erosion,
  
• Contributing to erosion in the upper Wimmera which in turn contributes to increased pollution of nutrients in the Wimmera River system,
  
• Threaten the viability of tree plantings, and
  
• A potential loss to the Wimmera’s agricultural production.

Weeds

High-priority weeds in the Wimmera that are causing economic and environmental impact include Bridal Creeper (Smilax), Hardheads, Paterson’s Curse, Silver-leaf Nightshade and St John’s Wort.

These weeds are currently well established but restricted in the Wimmera and pose a significant threat if allowed to spread.

Moderate-priority weeds include Blackberry, Boneseed, Cape Broom, Cape Tulip (1 and 2 leaf), Furze (Gorse), Horehound, Spiny Burr Grass and Wild Garlic.

There are also a number of new and emerging weeds that are not yet widespread in the Wimmera but have the potential to pose a significant threat to agricultural productive capacity and/or environmental values if they are not contained or eradicated.

These include African Daisy, African Weed Orchic, Chilean Needle Grass, Long-styled Feather-Grass, Prairie Ground Cherry and Serrated Tussock.

What is Wimmera CMA doing?

Wimmera CMA carries out planning for the management of pest issues, particularly in relation to weeds and rabbits. The Wimmera  Rabbit Management Action Plan (241.84 kB) was jointly produced by Wimmera CMA and the then Department of Natural Resources and the Environment. These documents identify priorities and actions to guide rabbit management in the region.

Wimmera CMA’s key objective for pest management is to support landholders and natural resource management groups that control pests so that biodiversity is protected and there is limited loss to agricultural production. The Victorian Government Department of Primary Industries has responsibility to implement projects to ensure compliance, education and technical advice to meet pest plant and animal plan targets.

In addition to implementing the two plans, Wimmera CMA carries out other pest plant and animal management activities, including:

• Managing the regional component of Second Generation Landcare Grants which provide funding to Landcare and other community groups to manage priority weeds and rabbits in their local area
• Working with the South East Natural Resource Management Board in South Australia on a project called “Defeating the Weed Menace”