Weeding Out Threats To Native Habitat
The Allan Labor Government is working with local communities and taking action to restore native habitat and remove invasive weeds through a new round of targeted grants.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos today announced $1.7 million for the Peri-urban Weed Management Partnership Program, funding land managers to partner with Traditional Owners and local communities to manage high-risk weeds at sites on Melbourne’s fringe.
Invasive weeds can have a devastating impact on the ability of native plants to thrive and provide critical habitat, weeds can also have a negative impact on land productivity, water quality, tourism, fire risk and visual amenity.
A total of nine grants have been awarded to seven local councils, Parks Victoria and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
The grants will help preserve and restore habitat for native species across more than 5000 hectares, with co-contributions from project partners providing an additional $4 million to deliver the projects.
Five projects will be delivered in partnership with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and one with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, which will also lead a project to restore habitat at Barak Creek – adjoining Healesville Sanctuary – for the critically endangered Broad-Toothed Rat.
In Cardinia Shire Council, removal of weeds along Cardinia Creek and adjacent reserves will help to protect local plant and animal species, including the recently re-introduced critically endangered Helmeted Honeyeater.
At Nillumbik Shire, the Watsons Creek Conservation Partnership will help protect more than 1000 hectares of intact native vegetation, including habitat critical for species such as the Little Pink Spider-orchid, Matted Flax-lily and Round-leaf Pomaderris.
Others to receive funding include Hobsons Bay City Council, City of Casey, Kingston City Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire and Yarra Ranges Council.
For more information on the Peri-urban Weed Management Partnership Program, visit environment.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos
“This program is helping deliver immense value for local communities and the state. More than 10,000 volunteer hours were recorded in the last cycle, which demonstrates the clear passion for this program.”
“Weeds present a threat to our native species. These projects will help to restore habitats and protect those species.”
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-07/280725-Weeding-Out-Threats-To-Native-Habitat.pdf