Indigo Shire Council has been allocated more than $45,000 in annual state government funding to help manage weeds and pests along shire roads.

Acting Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne announced 45 councils would receive up to $85,000 each.

Indigo Shire were recipients of $45,498, consistent with previous years.

A council spokeswoman said council jointly funds the program each year and reports annually to the state government on the outcome of weed and pest control locally.

“Council is responsible for controlling declared noxious weeds and pest animals on property we own and manage, including Council-managed roadsides [covering 1500 km] and reserves,” she said.

“Our weed control work on roadsides and reserves is primarily undertaken by licenced and experienced contractors, who are certified and trained in the safe use of chemicals and with whom we have worked closely for a number of years.

“We also work closely with other stakeholders such as Landcare groups and the Department of Agriculture to determine priority roadsides and reserves to target, as well as community members reporting areas of concern.

“Request for Quotation will be advertised via eProcure (Council’s tendering platform) in August and work will begin as soon as contracts have been awarded.”

Spraying is typically carried out in spring, summer, and autumn when treatment is most effective.

The spokeswoman said the works helps council maintain local road structure, improve fire management and helps conserve rare and endangered vegetation and habitats.

“A large number of pest plant and animal species can impact Indigo Shire’s unique natural environment and our economy,” she said.

The Victorian Budget 2025/26 will invest $976 million in a Better Roads Blitz to fix potholes and upgrade road surfaces right across Victoria

More information can be found via the state government’s Roadside Weeds and Pests Program on localgovernment.vic.gov.au and on council’s website: https://www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/Residents/Environment-and-Sustainability/Protecting-Our-Environment/Weeds-and-pest-animals