Landowners have a legal responsibility to take all reasonable steps to prevent the spread of, and wherever possible eradicate, declared or noxious weeds and pest animals from their land.
Declared (Noxious) Weeds
Declared weeds; also commonly known as noxious weeds, and pest animal species are governed by State legislation the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Under the Act, landowners have a legal responsibility to take all reasonable steps to prevent the spread of, and as far as possible eradicate, declared weeds from their land.
The Agriculture Victoria are the authorised body under the Act for enforcement action on landholders who fail to meet their legal obligation to control declared weeds and pest animals.
You can contact Councils’ Natural Resources Officer to help identify a particular weed on your property and the recommended control method. Some of the control methods that are used to control weeds include:
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Manual and mechanical removal
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Herbicide application
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Burning
- Slashing and grooming.
For more information on weeds and their impacts, check out our FAQ sheets.
Weeds Pamphlet and field guide
Pest Animals
Pest animal species are governed by State legislation the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Under the Act, landowners have a legal responsibility to take all reasonable steps to prevent the spread of, and as far as possible eradicate pest animals from their land.
Rabbit and foxes can be troublesome in rural areas. Foxes have the capacity to kill native wildlife and stock and rabbits can overgraze and destroy native vegetation, pastures and gardens.
You must be aware that controlling rabbits and foxes yourself means you will destroy them. If you feel uncomfortable doing this then engage a suitably qualified contractor to undertake the works for you.
Effective rabbit and fox control is achieved by using a combination of control measures, not just one as there is no single quick-fix solution. Control methods may include:
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Harbour destruction
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Baiting (poisoning)
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Fumigation
- Exclusion fencing
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Shooting where practicable.
Further information on rabbit control can be seen in this brochure, courtesy of Nillumbik Shire Council.
Further information on weeds and pest animals can be found on the Agriculture Victoria website.
Environment and Sustainability