Coordinated Weed Management Through the Good Neighbours Program
Weeds don't stop at fence lines, so managing them requires people to work together. The Good Neighbours Program is bringing together landholders, community groups and government agencies across the Tumbarumba region to improve weed control and reduce the spread of priority weeds such as ox-eye daisy.
Capacity building - LEP_23-020_LLC11
The issue
Weeds such as ox-eye daisy are spreading across the region and affecting farms, roadsides and natural areas. Many landholders are controlling weeds on their own properties, but weeds can quickly spread from neighboring land if everyone is not working together.
The solution
The Good Neighbours Program brought people together to discuss local weed issues and develop Version 1 of the Tumbarumba Working Weeds Group. The program also provided free ChemCert and biosecurity training, helping community members gain the skills needed to safely manage weeds and use shared equipment. A school poster competition was also held to educate local children about weeds and biosecurity, encouraging awareness and action from a young age. Whether managing one acre or one hundred acres, local landholders are now better equipped to tackle weeds on their own properties.
The impact
The project has helped build stronger relationships between landholders, community groups and government agencies. People now have a better understanding of local weed issues and the benefits of working together. Participation in training has increased, giving community members the skills and confidence to manage weeds safely and effectively. As a result, a community spray unit is now available for local use, helping landholders of all property sizes access the equipment needed to control weeds and protect their land.
Learnings
Managing weeds is more effective when people work together. Bringing stakeholders together in one room helped build trust, share knowledge and create a common goal. Landcare played an important role in connecting people and supporting local solutions to a shared problem.
Key facts
- Tumbarumba Working Weeds Group established to improve coordinated weed management across the region.
- Community spray unit made available for local landholders to use.
- Development of a locally led approach to weed management across public and private land.
- School poster competition engaged local children in weed and biosecurity awareness.