Welcome to the website of the

Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party

 The Serrated Tussock Project has demonstrated a successful approach to weed management. It has been a catalyst for landscape change in the land management arena. Partnership projects such as GrowWest and Moorabool Gorge Recovery Project have developed as a result of the energy generated. Investment has been attracted laterally, cementing lasting partnerships. This project will continue to advance and evolve as required to provide a lead to sustainable land management projects in Victoria.

When we look back to 1995, we remember that the community was deeply concerned with the spread of serrated tussock, a devastating weed that had invaded 130,000ha in Victoria. In response to that community concern, a strategy for the control of serrated tussock in Victoria was produced. That strategy called for the development of the Victorian Serrated Tussock Society, now known as the Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP). This group has led the management of the original strategy.

We have striven in partnership with staff from the Department of Primary Industry (DPI) and Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) to achieve the original recommendations. They included undertaking research into pasture and herbicide technology, production of appropriate extension material, provision of incentives to landmanagers and community groups and a comprehensive mapping, extension, monitoring and compliance campaign.

It is now time to consolidate these achievements and intensify our attack. As a Weed of National Significance, it is crucial that the project continues to capitalise on the success we have already achieved and contribute to the control of serrated tussock throughout Australia. The challenges continue to present themselves, but as has already been demonstrated, these can be overcome through the development of innovative solutions, shared resources and empowerment of the community.

This draft strategy (2005-2010) has been prepared in recognition of the need to provide a state-wide strategic framework to allow for an intensified attack on serrated tussock. It must be seen as a mechanism for encouraging involvement of other agencies and groups and increasing support, incentives and investment in sustainable landuse in Victoria, particularly the control of serrated tussock. It should guide future partnerships and assist in meeting our aspirations for healthy catchments together.

This new strategy showcases the integral role of the serrated tussock project in Victoria, the opportunities for investment and partnership, and the planned achievements that we will deliver to Victoria. We must capitalise on the enthusiasm and the considerable investment that has already been made by all stakeholders. It is important to note that the community now understand the impact of serrated tussock and expect action.

I thank my fellow working party members for their energy and commitment to the Serrated Tussock Project.