Mitta to Murray Blackberry Action Group






Re: Collective Action to Manage Blackberries across our CommunityA year ago the Mitta to Murray Blackberry Action Group (“M2MBAG”) embarked on a program to tackle the spread of the classified noxious blackberry weed in targeted areas in North East Victoria. The program is focused on providing support to landholders to manage blackberry on their properties and help them to meet their legislative obligations. How do we do this? We have adopted a community approach that harnesses the power of people joining together to achieve the common goal of protecting the agricultural value of our farm land and preserving our natural environment for all generations. M2MBAG is an initiative of the Mitta to Murray Landcare Network. Our Steering Group consists of representatives from nine Landcare Groups, farmers, private plantation owners, and public land managers from the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce, Dept. Primary Industries, Dept. Sustainability, Parks Victoria and the Towong Shire. Please join your neighbours in taking action to reduce the growth and spread of blackberry. Long term, permanent control requires a planned approach to address this major threat to agricultural production and our environment.How to get involved: Contact our Blackberry Project Officer, Paula Sheehan who will visit your property and map the blackberry infestations on your land, help you to develop an individual blackberry management plan and provide you with information on control methods. You decide what you will do over the next three years to manage blackberry on your property within your budget and available resources. You are encouraged to contact Paula on 0407 873 396 or via email pcsheehan@internode.on.netFunding support – M2MBAG has a limited amount of funds to assist landholders implement their Work Plans. Such assistance is only available to landowners that commit to voluntary Work Plan Agreements.Recognition of participation by landholders: On behalf of the community, M2MBAG would like to thank all landholders that have joined the program during 2012 and implemented weed management control measures. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.Yours SincerelyJim de HenninMitta to Murray Blackberry Action GroupDecember 2012