Weeded out

THE recent announcement of a joint funding program to tackle weeds in the Dandenongs has been a long time coming and is to be commended. It is also pleasing to see that the local member has finally acted in response to this issue. What is really disappointing however is the grossly inadequate level of response.
The assertion by James Merlino that this funding will make a significant contribution to tackling weeds in the region defies reality, given the scale and magnitude of the weed problem, and is little more than political spin with no substance.
As a long-term resident of the Dandenongs, I have witnessed a dramatic escalation and impact of weeds and general loss of environmental values over that time. The extent of weed invasion and build-up of fuel loads can be directly attributed to the failure of the current Labor Government to invest in effective public land management. The restructure of DSE and contracting out of services coupled with the severe under-resourcing of key management agencies such as DPI and Parks Victoria has resulted in the loss of programs and abandonment of large tracts of public land in the region.
If we as a community are genuinely committed to protecting the Dandenongs, then we must act urgently and demand a realistic level of resourcing. I would be more than happy to show the local member around his electorate to assist in working towards this outcome.
Darcy Duggan
Selby