VICTORIA’S four Community Pest Management Groups (CPMG) have been chosen to receive the Australian Biosecurity Award (ABA) in Canberra recently.

The ABA’s recognise individuals, groups and organisations that have shown commitment to supporting and promoting Australian biosecurity and the systems that underpin it.

The CPMGs were nominated by Agriculture Victoria to receive an award under the community category for their role in the Weeds and Rabbits Project.

The four CPMG chairs recently received their award on behalf of their groups in Canberra.

The CPMGs include the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce, the Victorian Gorse Taskforce, Victorian Rabbit Action Network and Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party who formed part of the Delivery Leadership Group, the project steering committee for the Weeds and Rabbit Project.

CPMGs consist of volunteer community representatives, and contractors, who provide education, engagement and extension services to landowners affected by invasive species.

The project attracted $4.3 million and was a collaborative partnership between Agriculture Victoria and the CPMGs.

The project was a biosecurity initiative aimed at improving the way established pest animals and weeds are managed in Victoria.

The collaborative project model placed community at the table to guide investment decision making, critical for supporting community-led action on weeds and rabbits.

Invasive species cause substantial amounts of economic and environmental damage across Australia, with an annual economic cost alone at $24.5 billion per year.

The four CPMGs demonstrated that they have the skills and solutions to tackle complex problems like weeds and rabbits.

This game-changing project delivered 223 workshops and events and engaged over 6000 people during its lifespan.

The project helped CPMG groups discover better pathways into community, to assist and build capacity, to provide direction and improved understanding of invasive species issues.

Following the project, outcomes observed included more effective knowledge sharing between stakeholders, community, government and industry collaboration, reduced reliance on regulation and compliance and effective community led programs.

For further information on the Weeds and Rabbits Project, visit weedsandrabbitsstory.com

If you would like further information from the award-winning community groups, you can contact them through their social pages.