Media Release: NEW ARRANGEMENTS TO MANAGE WEEDS AND PESTS

FROM THE MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE

DATE: Wednesday, October 31, 2007

NEW ARRANGEMENTS TO MANAGE WEEDS AND PESTS

Changes to biosecurity management will better protect Victoria’s natural environment and primary industries from weeds and pests, Environment Minister Gavin Jennings and Agriculture Minister Joe Helper announced today.

Overall policy for weeds and pest animals, operational responsibility on private land, and all wild dog operations will transferring from the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) from November 30, 2007.

Operational responsibility for weeds and pests on public land will remain within DSE.

“The Brumby Government is committed to increasing the biosecurity focus of pest and weed management across the State,” Mr Jennings said.

“DSE and DPI have both worked to protect farmers and other Victorian communities from the scourge of weeds and pests, but these new arrangements should improve the operating efficiency of these programs.”

Mr Helper said the changes would help maximise the gains made through the $30 million investment in weed and pest management announced in the May budget, enabling government to focus our work in the important areas of prevention and early intervention.

“The move increases clarity about who is responsible for weeds and pests in Victoria,” he said.

“It also enables us to improve our communication and service delivery to primary producers and land owners across the state.

“DPI currently manages on-ground operations related to pest and weed management on private land, but will now also assume responsibility for developing policy in this area.

“Our overall operations will be more effective because our top level strategy and policy will be directly informed by those people out in the field who deal with pests and weeds every day.”

Mr Jennings said DPI and DSE will continue to work cooperatively to protect natural resources particularly in the development of a longer-term strategy for dealing with weed and pest management issues across all land in Victoria, both private and public.

“This will include establishing a Victorian Biosecurity Interdepartmental Committee to ensure an integrated policy and investment framework for State Government pest management and biosecurity activities and policy,” Mr Jennings said.

Mr Jennings said DSE will retain responsibilities for weed and pest management on public land, particularly in relation to protecting natural biodiversity.

“This will be in the context of the broad policy direction developed within DPI, which will manage impacts of weed and pest animals on both biodiversity and agricultural productivity,” he said.