As part of the Victorian Governments Partnerships against Pests initiative SGLN aims to build capacity amongst the community to control invasive weeds and pest animals.
The project will launch on Thursday 15 August with a full day Weed and Pest Control Seminar at the Leongatha Memorial Hall. Field experts, stakeholders, contractors, SGLN staff and community members will come together to learn and discuss how we can tackle some of the most destructive and problematic pests in the region.
Feedback collected at this seminar will be used to dictate further workshops to best address the needs of the community
Pest Control Seminar
Tim Bloomfield from the Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN) gave us his inspiring presentation on rabbit and fox control. His experience and knowledge ensured no one could leave wondering if they should be undertaking control on their property and his humorous delivery made for a memorable presentation.
Kelly Pardew from AgVic presented the facts about weed classifications across Victoria and the limitations AgVic faces in enforcing control. It was an informative presentation which left us with a lot to think about in regards to how we can best tackle problems which are heavily impacted by surrounding land.
Sophie McKraken Evans and Matt Khoury from Parks Vic presented on the positive impacts that fox control has had on the locally endangered Hooded Plovers and Bandicoots. It was a delight to see the results from successful baiting and trapping program and left everyone feeling motivated to continue to protect the special fauna we have in South Gippsland
Tim Bloomfield – VRAN Presentation
Kelly Pardew- Agriculture Victoria Presentation
Using Apps to record pests
Not all pest control stratergies are possible for everyone. Property size, licensing, time and other factors can limit someones ability. One thing that we can all do is collect data. Recording pest animal sightings on the Feral Scan App can help direct funds to areas when it is needed most. Become part of the feral scan community today!
Rabbit Control Planning Field Day
Experienced Rabbit Control contractors Jarrod and Sam from Envirogain joined SGLN to help people better understand how to make a long term plan to control rabbits on their properties. We first discussed the history of rabbits in Australia and the various control methods used in the past.
Best practise rabbit control takes a multipronged approach. After the presentation we visited a nearby property to demonstrate baiting and fumigation techniques. In addition we practised using Rabbit Scan as a tool for recording rabbits and keeping track of any control undertaken
SGLN Presentations
Making a Weed Management Plan workshop
It was difficult to pin down the most problematic weed in our network. There was a need for more general advice and information. Along with Liam from Grandridge Environmental Services SGLN hosted a planning and weed education day. We started the day with by practising using the Weed Scan app. This is quite new technology and still has some kinks to be worked out but it was enjoyable to test the app and our weed knowledge where we could all learn from each other and Liam. The Weed Scan app can be using for mapping and keeping track of infestations on properties. The remainder of the workshop was based on making a weed plan. There were great discussions about organic and chemical control, use of contractors and working with neighbours and public land managers. We finished the day with a walk on the rail trail where there were some good examples of weed infestations. Liam talked us through how he would tackle the issues.
Best Practise Rabbit and Fox control workshop
A great day of knowledge sharing with Aaron Stephens from the Bass Coast Landcare Invasive Species Team and Peter Gannon Environmental Consultant at Ecocentric. Both Aaron and Peter gave presentations and examples of using a multi pronged approach to control pests. Particpants were able to raise their concens in regards to off target species when using baits and share tips from their own successful control.
Although each property will vary and the exact control stragery may be slightly different we promote best practise pest animal control. The below publications provide helpful information and stratergies.
