By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
A CRUCIAL weed eradication program will be cut after losing funding from the Andrews Government.
Over the past four years, the Yarra Ranges Shire has received a total of $1 million in funding towards the successful Urban Fringe Management Initiative (UFWMI).
The funding allowed the council to work with local environmental groups to reduce the prevalence of noxious weeds in the Dandenong Ranges. Labor recently slashed $3 million from the successful initiative.
MP for Eastern Victoria Edward O’Donohue addressed parliament on 10 February on the effects that cutting the program could have on the biodiversity of the Dandenongs.
“As locals would be aware, weeds are an ongoing issue in the Dandenong Ranges, posing a significant threat to the rich biodiversity of the area,” Mr O’Donohue said.
“It is an area of high environmental significance, characterising it as a prominent tourist attraction for the state and a beautiful place to live. The government has a responsibility to protect our native flora and fauna,” he said.
He went on to say that the program had so far been successful, and called on the Minister for Climate Change and Water, Lisa Neville, to re-instate the funding.
“It is regrettable that by slashing funding to this important and successful initiative, the Andrews Government is not supporting the environment, and not supporting the hard-working volunteers who dedicate many hours to its protection.”
The Mail contacted Ms Neville for comment, but did not receive a response before deadline.
