Description
The Victorian Blackberry Strategy seeks to reduce the growing threat and impact of blackberry, a Weed of National Significance, on our agricultural industries and environmental assets. By taking a landscape-scale approach to blackberry management, community-led action is proving to be effective in achieving long-term and sustainable success.
VICTORIAN
BLACKBERRY
STRATEGY
Revised Edition
2014 - 2019
A partnership approach
is needed to achieve the
outcomes of this strategy.
Foreword 03
Introduction 04
Context 04
Victorian Blackberry Taskforce 04
Blackberry – the weed 06
How it spreads 06
Distribution 07
Management options 07
Biosecurity and pest management 08
Achievements & Challenges 10
Our vision 12
Objectives 13
Scope 14
Opportunities for innovation, partnerships and investment 16
Framework for action 18
Notes 32
Contents
VBS 2014 /2019 01
Acronyms
CMA Catchment Management Authority
DEPI Department of Environment and Primary Industries
VBT Victorian Blackberry Taskforce
VBS Victorian Blackberry Strategy
VBS 2014 /2019
ISBN 978-1-74326-914-5 (pdf)
The Victorian Blackberry Strategy seeks to reduce the growing threat
and impact of blackberry, a Weed of National Signi?cance, on our
agricultural industries and environmental assets.
By taking a landscape-scale approach to blackberry management, community-led
action is proving to be effective in achieving long-term and sustainable success. This
approach recognises that integrated and coordinated action across public and private
land is needed which requires the cooperation of state, regional and local organisations
as well as communities and private landowners.
Underpinning the approach however is the realisation that effective control of
blackberry can only be achieved when local communities assume greater
responsibility for action.
Providing support to local communities to develop solutions tailored to suit their
landscape and circumstances can be a powerful catalyst for achieving successful
control of blackberry, lifting agricultural productivity and protecting signi?cant
environmental values.
This approach, together with the support of the Department of Environment and
Primary Industries’ improved compliance, has led to innovative and integrated
community programs and better on ground results.
The importance of having effective biological control options to complement existing
control methods cannot be underestimated, and the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce
will continue to promote the need for ongoing research in this area.
I encourage you to get involved in control activities and initiatives in your local area
and help reduce the spread and impacts of this noxious weed.
Lyn Coulston
Chair – Victorian Blackberry Taskforce
VBS 2014 /2019 03
Foreword
1
Page & Lacey, 2006
The Taskforce has six appointed
community members, in a voluntary
capacity, representing the Catchment
Management Authority regions where
blackberry is an issue. In addition, there
is representation from Parks Victoria
and the Department of Environment
and Primary Industries and also an
independent research scientist providing
input into technical aspects of blackberry
management.
Since the release of the previous Victorian
Blackberry Strategy in 2008, many of
its objectives have been achieved and a
number of changes in the policies and
institutions involved in weed management
have occurred. Consequently, the
Taskforce has revised the Strategy to
provide direction for 2014–2019. The
Taskforce is responsible for coordinating
and monitoring implementation of the
Strategy.
VBS 2014 /2019 05
Blackberry is one of Australia’s
32 Weeds of National Signi?cance
due to its highly invasive
nature, potential to spread
and the economic, social and
environmental damage it causes.
Introduction
The Victorian Blackberry Taskforce
was formed in 2001 to help tackle the
spread and impact of blackberry. It has
initiated a diverse range of blackberry
control programs in partnership with
state, regional and local natural resource
managers, as well as community
organisations and private landholders.
One of three Victorian Community
Weed Groups, the Victorian Blackberry
Taskforce encourages and supports
community participation in blackberry
control by adopting new approaches,
community capacity building and providing
incentives for action.
First introduced to Australia by
European settlers in the mid 1800s, it
was recognised as a weed early on and
by the 1880s its destructiveness was
obvious. In Australia, it is estimated that
blackberry infests approximately 8.8
million hectares of land at an estimated
cost of $95–$103 million in annual
control and production losses.
1
This cost
does not include the signi?cant social
and environmental costs associated with
blackberry infestations.
Context Victorian Blackberry Taskforce
VBS 2014 /2019 04
Figure 1: Potential distribution of blackberry
Source: Victorian Resources Online,
vro.depi.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/vrosite.nsf/pages/pot_dist_blackberry
Blackberry is found in areas with greater
than 760 mm annual rainfall, mainly on
fertile soils, and in irrigation areas. While
the blackberry aggregate has probably
reached the climatic limits (rainfall and
temperature) of its potential range in
Victoria, individual species have not.
Figure 1 illustrates the potential
distribution of blackberry in Victoria
if left unchecked.
Effective management of blackberry
requires an integrated approach using a
combination of control measures. These
include slashing, grazing, ?re, ‘grubbing,’
herbicides and biological control. The key
aim of a blackberry management plan
should be to prevent new infestations,
reduce current infestations and
rehabilitate infested land.
For more information on blackberry and
management options, visit:
www.vicblackberrytaskforce.com.au
www.weeds.org.au/WoNS/blackberry
Distribution Management options
VBS 2014 /2019 07
It reproduces through seed and can
propagate through root suckers and
by daughter plants when stems contact
the soil. Some blackberry plants in
Australia are known to produce 30,000
seeds annually.
Blackberry is a successful weed because
of its hardiness, vigorous growth, its
effective seed distribution by fruit-
eating birds and mammals, its ability to
propagate vegetatively from cane tips
and because its prickliness keeps most
grazing animals away.
2
www.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/weeds/other-declared-weeds/blackberry
Blackberry – the weed
Blackberry invasion and establishment
relies on three factors: it needs a place to
grow, a way to get to that site, and it must
successfully compete against other plant
species.
It usually establishes where competition
is removed or reduced to a level where it
has an advantage. It can be carried to a site
by water, attachment, by birds and other
animals that eat it as well as by humans as
they move through landscapes.
Land is particularly susceptible to
blackberry invasion following a disturbance
such as bush?re, and the greater the
disturbance the more likelihood of invasion.
The worst blackberry problems often occur
in areas that feature bare, soft soil, high
nutrient availability, moist conditions and
high light intensity.
Expected changes in Victoria’s temperature
and rainfall, based on climate modelling,
indicate a reduction in the potential
distribution of blackberry in the long-
term, although large areas of the state
will remain climatically suitable for its
establishment (Steel et al., 2008).
There are nine species of
blackberry (Rubus fruticosus
L. agg.) currently recognised as
being present in Victoria.
2
The weed How it spreads
VBS 2014 /2019 06
Figure 2: Generalised invasion curve for invasive plants and animals
ASSET BASED PROTECTION
CONTAINMENT
ERADICATION
PREVENTION
A
R
E
A
O
C
C
U
P
I
E
D
TIME
Species
absent Entry of
invasive
species
Small number
of localised
populations
Rapid increase
in distribution
and abundance,
many populations
Invasive species
widespread and
abundant throughout its potential
range
GENERALISED INVASION CURVE SHOWING ACTIONS APPROPRIATE TO EACH STAGE
Version 2.0: 24 JUL 2013
VBS 2014 /2019 09
the biosecurity approach indicates that the
most cost-effective response is to target
these weeds to protect priority assets.
Assets include things like rivers, wetlands,
productive agricultural land, popular
?shing areas, parks with high cultural or
historical signi?cance, threatened species
or vegetation communities or stands of
intact native vegetation.
Another element of the biosecurity
approach is the use of partnerships
between government departments and
agencies, industry and the community.
This is an essential component to effective
pest management as it increases the
impact of management programs through
sharing knowledge, information and
resources, working across land tenures
and decreasing management costs
through better coordination.
Biosecurity
and pest management
The Victorian and Australian
governments have recently
adopted a biosecurity approach
to the management of pests.
Informed by the pest invasion curve
(see Figure 2), this approach adopts
a risk-based strategy to intervention
featuring four key responses: prevention,
eradication, containment and asset
protection.
An objective of this approach is to ensure
early detection of and rapid action
against new pest problems. Preventing
serious new introductions is signi?cantly
cheaper and less time consuming than
waiting until a species spreads to a
larger area. The approach also considers
the level of economic, environmental and
social impact of a particular species.
For widespread weeds such as
blackberry, gorse and serrated
tussock which cause signi?cant social,
environmental and economic impacts,
VBS 2014 /2019 08
Because of the Taskforce’s landscape
approach, local action groups are
encouraged to have cross-agency
membership, including the Department
of Environment and Primary Industries,
Parks Victoria, VicRoads, local
governments and water authorities.
Through this, the Taskforce gains
a greater understanding of agency
approaches as they are felt ‘on the
ground’ together with the implications
for blackberry management.
Finally, in addition to the economic
and environmental outcomes of
blackberry control, there is emerging
evidence of the positive social impact.
Control groups have reported on the
community building that has occurred
where control programs have brought
neighbours together to get to know
each other, to help each other out and
to develop a shared ownership of the
blackberry problem.
Looking ahead, the potential advances in
biological control options for blackberry
demand ongoing investment in research
and development, and this is a topic of
great interest to the Taskforce.
The network of blackberry control groups
across Victoria has a wealth of information
and experience of signi?cant value to
other communities dealing with local land
management issues, if it can be captured
and accessed simply and easily. There are
opportunities to use social media more
effectively for this purpose.
Providing both ongoing support to existing
control groups as well as assistance
to newly-formed groups will present
a challenge to the Taskforce under its
current level of resources.
The development of new invasive
species legislation in Victoria presents
an opportunity for the Taskforce to
communicate its insights on successful
approaches to control of widespread,
established weeds.
VBS 2014 /2019 11
From over a decade of experience
with community-led control programs,
the Taskforce has great con?dence
in the ability of communities to
achieve effective blackberry control.
The Taskforce believes strongly in
the importance providing ?exible
and local support for land managers
and their communities which re?ect
their individual circumstances and
experiences. This offers the best
opportunity to deal with blackberry
(and pest management in general) at a
local level and to contribute to broader
landscape sustainability.
The Taskforce has been instrumental
in motivating, inspiring and supporting
local communities to see that they can
make a difference but to do so, they must
lead and take responsibility themselves
for blackberry control.
Land previously overrun by blackberry
is becoming productive again which is
motivating communities to long-term
control that will see blackberry diminish
as a threat to agricultural land and
environmental values.
Blackberry control groups have
identi?ed the critical importance of
?nancial support from the Taskforce
to enable them to engage local project
of?cers. These project of?cers act
as a catalyst for getting landholder
participation in blackberry control and
are responsible for managing planned
and coordinated control programs.
The resources, information and support
provided by the Taskforce, and via its
website, help existing groups but also
encourage new community groups to
see what is possible.
Achievements and challenges
A review of the Victorian Blackberry Strategy 2008–2013 identi?ed the
achievements and progress made in tackling blackberry in Victoria as
well as further challenges to be addressed.
VBS 2014 /2019 10
The Victorian Blackberry Strategy has
six objectives:
1. The Victorian Blackberry Taskforce
provides effective state-wide
leadership on blackberry management.
2. The community, stakeholders and
government understand the bene?ts of
managing blackberry in Victoria.
3. Community control programs reduce
the local impact of blackberry on
agricultural, environmental and
social values.
4. Community capacity is enhanced and
supported through the state-wide
network of blackberry control groups.
5. Development of innovative solutions for
cost-effective blackberry management.
6. Outcomes of the Victorian Blackberry
Strategy are monitored and reported.
Objectives
VBS 2014 /2019 13
The vision of the Victorian Blackberry
Taskforce is a future where the community
understands the impact of blackberry on
biodiversity and land productivity, and
takes action.
A partnership approach is needed to
achieve the goals and objectives of this
Victorian Blackberry Strategy.
This new Strategy con?rms the integral
role of the Taskforce in its advisory
role to the Victorian Government,
the opportunities for investment and
partnership and the planned achievements
it will deliver.
Our vision
‘The wider community accepts
responsibility for blackberry
control and contributes to
ongoing protection of social,
environmental and economic
assets through reducing the
impact of blackberry in Victoria.’
VBS 2014 /2019 12
Our vision
The National Blackberry Strategic Plan
2012–17 sets the vision for the effective
management of blackberry to prevent
its spread and reduce impact across
Australia. It sets the direction for state
planning and establishes a coordinated
process for managing blackberry across
the nation. The Victorian Blackberry
Strategy will contribute to achieving
the three key goals of the National
Blackberry Strategy:
1. Prevent new infestations
from establishing
2. Strategically manage existing
blackberry infestations
3. Increase the capability and
commitment to effectively
manage blackberry.
The Australian Weeds Strategy 2007
is prepared by the Australian Weeds
Committee and recognises that weed
management is essential to the
sustainable management of natural
resources, the economy, the environment,
human health and amenity and that
it requires an integrated whole-of-
government and community-wide
approach. The Strategy was based on seven
principles, three of which are most relevant
to the Victorian Blackberry Strategy:
• Combating weed problems is a shared
responsibility that requires all parties
to have a clear understanding of
their roles.
• Weed management requires
coordination among all levels
of government in partnership with
industry, land and water managers
and the community, regardless
of tenure.
• Building capacity across government,
industry, land and water managers and
the community is fundamental to
effective weed management.
The Growing Food and Fibre Initiative
of the Department of Environment and
Primary Industries seeks to increase the
productivity and pro?tability of Victoria’s
key food and ?bre sectors. One aspect of
the initiative is to support community-led
action on effective management of
established weeds and pests.
VBS 2014 /2019 15
It aims to encourage the involvement
of other agencies and groups as well
as increased support, incentives and
investment in sustainable land use in
Victoria, and particularly the control
of blackberry. It should guide future
partnerships and help us work together
to achieve healthy catchments with an
integrated approach across regions and
catchments as well as at the local and
farm levels. Particular consideration is
given to production, environmental and
social factors affecting blackberry control.
Direction and guiding principles for this
Strategy are informed by legislation and
key documents:
The Invasive Plants and Animals Policy
Framework presents the overarching
Victorian Government approach to the
management of existing and potential
invasive species within the context of
the Biosecurity Strategy for Victoria.
The framework is underpinned by
the recognition of the importance of
partnerships and building capacity and
con?dence of land managers in achieving
effective invasive species management.
The Biosecurity Strategy for Victoria
outlines the vision for biosecurity
management in Victoria and seeks to
protect Victoria from biosecurity threats
that affect primary industries, environment,
social amenity and human health.
Victorian Catchment and Land Protection
Act 1994 – The Act is Victoria’s primary
legislation for invasive plants and animals.
The Act requires all land owners, including
the Crown, public authorities and licensees
of Crown lands, in relation to their land, to
take all reasonable steps to:
• Eradicate regionally-prohibited weeds
• Prevent the growth and spread of
regionally-controlled weeds on their land.
The Victorian Blackberry Strategy
recognises that a community-led
approach on blackberry requires
a state-wide strategic framework.
Scope
VBS 2014 /2019 14
Our partnerships across the Victorian
Government and with local governments,
catchment management authorities,
community groups and industry are
essential to developing a coordinated
approach to blackberry management
and will continue to evolve. Effective
partnerships can occur between
government and the community
where this is a common commitment
to working together on dealing with
blackberry, and this can be independent
of any funding arrangement.
Signi?cant potential exists to work
with other Victorian groups, agencies,
organisations and departments on
blackberry control. We will build new
partnerships and links with innovative
projects to share resources, knowledge,
ideas and creative energy. These
partnerships will save costs and see new
technologies and strategies developed for
sustainable resource use in Victoria.
A collaborative approach is essential
across all levels of government with
different land tenures. The variety of
activities undertaken to implement this
Strategy represents a focus on weeds as
the problem as well as sustainable land
management as the solution.
Opportunities for innovation,
partnerships and investment
The Victorian Blackberry
Taskforce has contributed
to the outcomes of various
strategies and believes
integration is critical for
achieving the large-scale goals
for blackberry management.
VBS 2014 /2019 16
The wider community accepts responsibility for blackberry control and contributes to ongoing protection of social, environmental and economic assets through reducing the impact of blackberry in Victoria.
Local communities taking responsibility
for blackberry management
• Farm asset value is increased
• Landscape change is highly visible
• The community is empowered to manage blackberry
effectively (i.e. not dependent on government support)
Widespread attitudinal change occurs: less community
tolerance of blackberry infestations
• Blackberry is contained and prevented from
establishing in new areas
• Land managers voluntarily preventing the growth and
spread of blackberry on their properties
• Less time and expenses incurred controlling blackberry
Land stewardship enhanced through attitude and practice
change at local levels
• The density of existing blackberry infestations is reduced
on public and private land
• Satellite infestations at a local level are
controlled /eradicated
Advocacy for biocontrol and
other research priorities
Partnerships between public
and private land owners
Blackberry control
information disseminated
Bene?ts of community-led
blackberry control
• Increased awareness of the impacts of blackberry
• Increased knowledge and skills of best practice
management
• Increased private and public landholder participation
• Research into biological control of blackberry occurs
• Community groups supported to manage blackberry
Indicators of success
Increased productivity of
agricultural land
Environmental assets
protected and enhanced
The extent of blackberry in Victoria is reduced
Existing infestations are prioritised and treated
by control groups
Active state-wide network
of control groups
Community groups advocate
local standards of blackberry
control
Generating participation
through community
control groups
Strong relationships between
community and government
Strategic framework
VBS 2014 /2019 19
Framework for action
Vision
VBS 2014 /2019 18
PARTNERSHIPS WHEN OUTCOME
VBT, DEPI,
community
VBT, DEPI
VBT, DEPI
VBT, DEPI
Ongoing
2014-2015
2014
Ongoing
The vision, goals and objectives of the Victorian
Blackberry Strategy are achieved.
The goals and objectives of the Victorian
Blackberry Strategy are supported by new
invasive species legislation in Victoria.
The Victorian Blackberry Taskforce is funded and
the VBS is successfully implemented.
Taskforce members and project staff are suitably
skilled to perform their respective duties.
VBS 2014 /2019 21
OBJECTIVE 1 THE VICTORIAN BLACKBERRY TASKFORCE PROVIDES EFFECTIVE STATE-WIDE LEADERSHIP ON BLACKBERRY MANAGEMENT
• ADDRESSING THE IMPACTS OF BLACKBERRY AT A STATE-WIDE LEVEL REQUIRES A SINGLE BODY TO PROVIDE LEADERSHIP AND TO COORDINATE EFFORT ACROSS GOVERNMENT, STAKEHOLDERS
AND THE COMMUNITY.
ACTION
1.1 Drive implementation of the Victorian Blackberry Strategy via effective
relationships with government and stakeholders on blackberry management.
1.2 Contribute to the development of the new Victorian invasive species
legislation and supporting implementation tools (e.g. regulation, codes of
practice, accreditation systems, management plans, etc.).
1.3 Seek funding for an Executive Of?cer position responsible to the Victorian
Blackberry Taskforce and for implementation of the Community
Partnership Program.
1.4 Provide Taskforce members and project staff with appropriate training to
perform duties that help achieve the aims of the Strategy.
VBS 2014 /2019 20
• SUCCESSFUL CONTROL OF BLACKBERRY CAN LIFT THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY OF LAND, PROTECT ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES AND ENHANCE SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL VALUES OF THE
LANDSCAPE, HOWEVER LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO BLACKBERRY CONTROL IS REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS.
• THE VICTORIAN BLACKBERRY TASKFORCE HAS A CRITICAL ROLE IN RAISING AWARENESS OF THE SCALE OF THE BLACKBERRY PROBLEM AND THE SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE TO ADDRESS IT.
PARTNERSHIPS WHEN OUTCOME
VBT, DEPI, CMAs,
industry, local
governments,
community groups
VBT, community
action groups,
industry
VBT, DEPI,
CMAs, Landcare
networks,
community groups
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Comprehensive communication networks are
established and functioning effectively between
all stakeholders.
Industry supports and contributes to blackberry
management, including rehabilitation and
revegetation.
Increased effectiveness of investment in
landscape change projects.
VBS 2014 /2019 23
OBJECTIVE 2 THE COMMUNITY, STAKEHOLDERS AND GOVERNMENT UNDERSTAND THE BENEFITS OF MANAGING BLACKBERRY IN VICTORIA
ACTION
2.1 Build effective communication with government, stakeholders and
the wider community to promote the Victorian Blackberry Strategy and its
implementation.
2.2 Investigate and pursue investment from a variety of sources,
including agricultural and forestry industries, to support long-term planning,
incentives and resources for blackberry management.
2.3 Support current and new landscape change projects that require blackberry
to be controlled and which enhance the environmental, social and productive
capacity of land and water.
VBS 2014 /2019 22
• THE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM AUSPICED BY THE VICTORIAN BLACKBERRY TASKFORCE HAS PROVEN VERY SUCCESSFUL IN ACHIEVING LONG-TERM CONTROL OF BLACKBERRY AND
REALISING ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BENEFITS.
• THE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM IS BASED ON A PHILOSOPHY THAT COMMUNITIES CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHEN THEY TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR BLACKBERRY MANAGEMENT IN THEIR LOCAL LANDSCAPE.
PARTNERSHIPS WHEN OUTCOME
VBT, Landcare,
CMAs, DEPI
Community
groups, DEPI, VBT,
CMAs, public land
managers
VBT, public land
managers
VBT, community
groups
DEPI, VBT
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Higher community awareness of the need to
control blackberry.
The density of blackberry is reduced in priority
areas across the state.
Blackberry control on public land supports the
goals of community groups.
Effective investment in community groups.
Improved compliance programs through
integrated approaches with community and other
key stakeholders.
VBS 2014 /2019 25
OBJECTIVE 3 COMMUNITY CONTROL PROGRAMS REDUCE THE LOCAL IMPACT OF BLACKBERRY ON AGRICULTURAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL VALUES
ACTION
3.1 Implement an ongoing program of community education and awareness
about the costs of blackberry infestations in the landscape.
3.2 Community groups identify and map areas with high productive,
environmental or social (community support) values and develop
management strategies to suit their respective communities.
3.3 Encourage public land managers to participate in community control
programs and allocate resources and demonstrate good land
management practice.
3.4 Implement the Community Partnership Program where community groups
demonstrate commitment and capacity to work effectively together and
engage other stakeholders in land management.
3.5 Strategic enforcement of the Catchment and Land Protection Act, to protect
land and resource assets and investment. Compliance action will also
occur to support community group action, integrated project outcomes and
local government incentives.
VBS 2014 /2019 24
PARTNERSHIPS WHEN OUTCOME
VBT, community
action groups
VBT, community
action groups
VBT, community
action groups
VBT
VBT
VBT, community
groups
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Annually
Ongoing
Ongoing
Community groups maintain their capacity to lead
their management programs.
Community groups enhance their knowledge
and skills in community-led action on blackberry
management.
Project of?cers enhance their knowledge and
skills in supporting community groups.
Communities increase their efforts in the control
of blackberry.
Increased self-suf?ciency of community groups
to control blackberry.
Increased local community capacity to develop
and implement coordinated blackberry
management plans.
VBS 2014 /2019 27
OBJECTIVE 4 COMMUNITY CAPACITY IS ENHANCED AND SUPPORTED THROUGH THE STATE-WIDE NETWORK OF BLACKBERRY CONTROL GROUPS
• SINCE 2001, OVER 10 COMMUNITY GROUPS HAVE BEEN SUPPORTED TO MANAGE BLACKBERRY INFESTATIONS. THESE GROUPS HAVE DEVELOPED A HUGE RANGE OF KNOWLEDGE ON WHAT MAKES
COMMUNITY-LED ACTION SUCCESSFUL. THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO HARNESS THAT KNOWLEDGE FOR BOTH EXISTING AND NEW COMMUNITY GROUPS.
• COMMUNITY GROUPS CAN FACE SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES IN PROVIDING LEADERSHIP ON WEED MANAGEMENT AT A LOCAL COMMUNITY SCALE.
ACTION
4.1 Strengthen networks between community groups via social media and the
Victorian Blackberry Taskforce website.
4.2 Facilitate ?eld days and other forums for community groups to participate in
and share knowledge.
4.3 Arrange opportunities for the community group project of?cers to
network together.
4.4 Recognise and reward community achievements in blackberry management.
4.5 Build the capacity of community groups to attract funding and resources for
blackberry control.
4.6 Support the establishment of new blackberry control groups.
VBS 2014 /2019 26
PARTNERSHIPS WHEN OUTCOME
VBT, DEPI, CSIRO
VBT, CSIRO, DEPI
VBT, community
groups, Landcare,
CMAs
VBT, DEPI,
community groups
VBT, DEPI, CSIRO,
community groups
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
The result of research is integrated in blackberry
management programs and effectively
communicated to community.
Effective research provides for best management
of blackberry across all land tenures.
Improved management of blackberry on complex
sites is achieved through increased knowledge.
Greater awareness of the social barriers to
participation inform development of blackberry
programs.
Research results are integrated into blackberry
management approaches by land managers.
VBS 2014 /2019 29
OBJECTIVE 5 DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR COST-EFFECTIVE BLACKBERRY MANAGEMENT
• THERE IS AN ONGOING NEED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW CONTROL TECHNIQUES, PARTICULARLY BIOLOGICAL CONTROL, TO COMPLEMENT EXISTING CONTROL METHODS.
• THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT OF BLACKBERRY BY INCREASING LAND MANAGERS’ AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF NEW RESEARCH AND INFORMATION.
ACTION
5.1 Work in partnership with research institutions and other stakeholders to
promote the development and uptake of innovative, cost-effective
best management approaches to blackberry control.
5.2 Advocate for ongoing research into biological control options for blackberry.
5.3 Support community groups to trial best management approaches, especially
in areas with complex issues relating to blackberry control, such as
non-arable and steep marginal land, riparian and upper catchment areas.
5.4 Strengthen the community-led approach to blackberry management
by incorporating knowledge of the social drivers and barriers to
blackberry control.
5.5 Capture and disseminate new research and information on blackberry control
to increase community group and land manager understanding.
VBS 2014 /2019 28
PARTNERSHIPS WHEN OUTCOME
VBT
VBT
VBT,
community groups
VBT
Annually
Annually
2014
Ongoing
Blackberry management is reported annually to
key stakeholders and investors.
Victorian Blackberry Taskforce maintains its
focus on strategic priorities over the life of
the Strategy.
Improved understanding of the broad range of
bene?ts from supporting community-led action
on blackberry management.
Community and stakeholder access to up-to-date
information on blackberry management.
VBS 2014 /2019 31
OBJECTIVE 6 OUTCOMES OF THE VICTORIAN BLACKBERRY STRATEGY ARE MONITORED AND REPORTED
• THE VICTORIAN BLACKBERRY TASKFORCE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COORDINATING AND MONITORING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE VICTORIAN BLACKBERRY STRATEGY WHICH INCLUDES REPORTING ON
PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENTS. TARGETS WILL BE SET ANNUALLY ONCE THE ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET OF THE TASKFORCE IS CONFIRMED.
• THE TASKFORCE NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO DESCRIBE THE COSTS AND BENEFITS FROM INVESTMENT IN THE STRATEGY.
• INFORMATION GENERATED THROUGH MONITORING ENABLES THE TASKFORCE RESPOND TO OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OVER THE LIFE OF THE STRATEGY.
ACTION
6.1 Publish annual reports on the progress of this Strategy (and annual work
plan targets – see Action 6.2).
6.2 Conduct an annual review of progress on the Strategy to inform the next
year’s priorities, targets and the Executive Of?cer work plan.
6.3 Develop case studies to describe the economic, environmental and social
impacts of the Community Partnership Program.
6.4 Ensure the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce website provides ready access for
the community and stakeholders to current information and progress of
the Strategy.
VBS 2014 /2019 30
Victorian Blackberry Taskforce membership
Lyn Coulston – Chairperson
Robin Adair – Research scientist
Nigel Ainsworth – Department of Environment AND Primary Industries- Policy
Alex Arbuthnot – National Blackberry Council Chair
Andrew Edgar – Glenelg Hopkins region
Ben Fahey – Parks Victoria
Terry Hubbard - Goulburn Broken region
Anthony Jarvis – North East Victoria
Shane O’Loughlin – Northern Central Victoria
Dawn Parker – East Gippsland
Barton Roberts - Acting Executive Of?cer DEPI 2014
References
Page, A. & Lacey K. (2006). Economic impact assessment of Australian weed biological
control. Cooperative Research Centre for Australian Weed Management, Technical
Series, No. 10, Adelaide.
Steel, J. Kohout, M. & Newell, G. (2008). Climate change and potential distribution of
weeds: Whither the weeds under climate change? Department of Primary Industries,
Frankston, Victoria.
Websites
www.depi.vic.gov.au
www.depi.vic.gov.au/vro
www.vicblackberrytaskforce.com.au
www.weeds.org.au
Notes
VBS 2014 /2019 32
doc_719803435.pdf
The Victorian Blackberry Strategy seeks to reduce the growing threat and impact of blackberry, a Weed of National Significance, on our agricultural industries and environmental assets. By taking a landscape-scale approach to blackberry management, community-led action is proving to be effective in achieving long-term and sustainable success.
VICTORIAN
BLACKBERRY
STRATEGY
Revised Edition
2014 - 2019
A partnership approach
is needed to achieve the
outcomes of this strategy.
Foreword 03
Introduction 04
Context 04
Victorian Blackberry Taskforce 04
Blackberry – the weed 06
How it spreads 06
Distribution 07
Management options 07
Biosecurity and pest management 08
Achievements & Challenges 10
Our vision 12
Objectives 13
Scope 14
Opportunities for innovation, partnerships and investment 16
Framework for action 18
Notes 32
Contents
VBS 2014 /2019 01
Acronyms
CMA Catchment Management Authority
DEPI Department of Environment and Primary Industries
VBT Victorian Blackberry Taskforce
VBS Victorian Blackberry Strategy
VBS 2014 /2019
ISBN 978-1-74326-914-5 (pdf)
The Victorian Blackberry Strategy seeks to reduce the growing threat
and impact of blackberry, a Weed of National Signi?cance, on our
agricultural industries and environmental assets.
By taking a landscape-scale approach to blackberry management, community-led
action is proving to be effective in achieving long-term and sustainable success. This
approach recognises that integrated and coordinated action across public and private
land is needed which requires the cooperation of state, regional and local organisations
as well as communities and private landowners.
Underpinning the approach however is the realisation that effective control of
blackberry can only be achieved when local communities assume greater
responsibility for action.
Providing support to local communities to develop solutions tailored to suit their
landscape and circumstances can be a powerful catalyst for achieving successful
control of blackberry, lifting agricultural productivity and protecting signi?cant
environmental values.
This approach, together with the support of the Department of Environment and
Primary Industries’ improved compliance, has led to innovative and integrated
community programs and better on ground results.
The importance of having effective biological control options to complement existing
control methods cannot be underestimated, and the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce
will continue to promote the need for ongoing research in this area.
I encourage you to get involved in control activities and initiatives in your local area
and help reduce the spread and impacts of this noxious weed.
Lyn Coulston
Chair – Victorian Blackberry Taskforce
VBS 2014 /2019 03
Foreword
1
Page & Lacey, 2006
The Taskforce has six appointed
community members, in a voluntary
capacity, representing the Catchment
Management Authority regions where
blackberry is an issue. In addition, there
is representation from Parks Victoria
and the Department of Environment
and Primary Industries and also an
independent research scientist providing
input into technical aspects of blackberry
management.
Since the release of the previous Victorian
Blackberry Strategy in 2008, many of
its objectives have been achieved and a
number of changes in the policies and
institutions involved in weed management
have occurred. Consequently, the
Taskforce has revised the Strategy to
provide direction for 2014–2019. The
Taskforce is responsible for coordinating
and monitoring implementation of the
Strategy.
VBS 2014 /2019 05
Blackberry is one of Australia’s
32 Weeds of National Signi?cance
due to its highly invasive
nature, potential to spread
and the economic, social and
environmental damage it causes.
Introduction
The Victorian Blackberry Taskforce
was formed in 2001 to help tackle the
spread and impact of blackberry. It has
initiated a diverse range of blackberry
control programs in partnership with
state, regional and local natural resource
managers, as well as community
organisations and private landholders.
One of three Victorian Community
Weed Groups, the Victorian Blackberry
Taskforce encourages and supports
community participation in blackberry
control by adopting new approaches,
community capacity building and providing
incentives for action.
First introduced to Australia by
European settlers in the mid 1800s, it
was recognised as a weed early on and
by the 1880s its destructiveness was
obvious. In Australia, it is estimated that
blackberry infests approximately 8.8
million hectares of land at an estimated
cost of $95–$103 million in annual
control and production losses.
1
This cost
does not include the signi?cant social
and environmental costs associated with
blackberry infestations.
Context Victorian Blackberry Taskforce
VBS 2014 /2019 04
Figure 1: Potential distribution of blackberry
Source: Victorian Resources Online,
vro.depi.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/vrosite.nsf/pages/pot_dist_blackberry
Blackberry is found in areas with greater
than 760 mm annual rainfall, mainly on
fertile soils, and in irrigation areas. While
the blackberry aggregate has probably
reached the climatic limits (rainfall and
temperature) of its potential range in
Victoria, individual species have not.
Figure 1 illustrates the potential
distribution of blackberry in Victoria
if left unchecked.
Effective management of blackberry
requires an integrated approach using a
combination of control measures. These
include slashing, grazing, ?re, ‘grubbing,’
herbicides and biological control. The key
aim of a blackberry management plan
should be to prevent new infestations,
reduce current infestations and
rehabilitate infested land.
For more information on blackberry and
management options, visit:
www.vicblackberrytaskforce.com.au
www.weeds.org.au/WoNS/blackberry
Distribution Management options
VBS 2014 /2019 07
It reproduces through seed and can
propagate through root suckers and
by daughter plants when stems contact
the soil. Some blackberry plants in
Australia are known to produce 30,000
seeds annually.
Blackberry is a successful weed because
of its hardiness, vigorous growth, its
effective seed distribution by fruit-
eating birds and mammals, its ability to
propagate vegetatively from cane tips
and because its prickliness keeps most
grazing animals away.
2
www.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/weeds/other-declared-weeds/blackberry
Blackberry – the weed
Blackberry invasion and establishment
relies on three factors: it needs a place to
grow, a way to get to that site, and it must
successfully compete against other plant
species.
It usually establishes where competition
is removed or reduced to a level where it
has an advantage. It can be carried to a site
by water, attachment, by birds and other
animals that eat it as well as by humans as
they move through landscapes.
Land is particularly susceptible to
blackberry invasion following a disturbance
such as bush?re, and the greater the
disturbance the more likelihood of invasion.
The worst blackberry problems often occur
in areas that feature bare, soft soil, high
nutrient availability, moist conditions and
high light intensity.
Expected changes in Victoria’s temperature
and rainfall, based on climate modelling,
indicate a reduction in the potential
distribution of blackberry in the long-
term, although large areas of the state
will remain climatically suitable for its
establishment (Steel et al., 2008).
There are nine species of
blackberry (Rubus fruticosus
L. agg.) currently recognised as
being present in Victoria.
2
The weed How it spreads
VBS 2014 /2019 06
Figure 2: Generalised invasion curve for invasive plants and animals
ASSET BASED PROTECTION
CONTAINMENT
ERADICATION
PREVENTION
A
R
E
A
O
C
C
U
P
I
E
D
TIME
Species
absent Entry of
invasive
species
Small number
of localised
populations
Rapid increase
in distribution
and abundance,
many populations
Invasive species
widespread and
abundant throughout its potential
range
GENERALISED INVASION CURVE SHOWING ACTIONS APPROPRIATE TO EACH STAGE
Version 2.0: 24 JUL 2013
VBS 2014 /2019 09
the biosecurity approach indicates that the
most cost-effective response is to target
these weeds to protect priority assets.
Assets include things like rivers, wetlands,
productive agricultural land, popular
?shing areas, parks with high cultural or
historical signi?cance, threatened species
or vegetation communities or stands of
intact native vegetation.
Another element of the biosecurity
approach is the use of partnerships
between government departments and
agencies, industry and the community.
This is an essential component to effective
pest management as it increases the
impact of management programs through
sharing knowledge, information and
resources, working across land tenures
and decreasing management costs
through better coordination.
Biosecurity
and pest management
The Victorian and Australian
governments have recently
adopted a biosecurity approach
to the management of pests.
Informed by the pest invasion curve
(see Figure 2), this approach adopts
a risk-based strategy to intervention
featuring four key responses: prevention,
eradication, containment and asset
protection.
An objective of this approach is to ensure
early detection of and rapid action
against new pest problems. Preventing
serious new introductions is signi?cantly
cheaper and less time consuming than
waiting until a species spreads to a
larger area. The approach also considers
the level of economic, environmental and
social impact of a particular species.
For widespread weeds such as
blackberry, gorse and serrated
tussock which cause signi?cant social,
environmental and economic impacts,
VBS 2014 /2019 08
Because of the Taskforce’s landscape
approach, local action groups are
encouraged to have cross-agency
membership, including the Department
of Environment and Primary Industries,
Parks Victoria, VicRoads, local
governments and water authorities.
Through this, the Taskforce gains
a greater understanding of agency
approaches as they are felt ‘on the
ground’ together with the implications
for blackberry management.
Finally, in addition to the economic
and environmental outcomes of
blackberry control, there is emerging
evidence of the positive social impact.
Control groups have reported on the
community building that has occurred
where control programs have brought
neighbours together to get to know
each other, to help each other out and
to develop a shared ownership of the
blackberry problem.
Looking ahead, the potential advances in
biological control options for blackberry
demand ongoing investment in research
and development, and this is a topic of
great interest to the Taskforce.
The network of blackberry control groups
across Victoria has a wealth of information
and experience of signi?cant value to
other communities dealing with local land
management issues, if it can be captured
and accessed simply and easily. There are
opportunities to use social media more
effectively for this purpose.
Providing both ongoing support to existing
control groups as well as assistance
to newly-formed groups will present
a challenge to the Taskforce under its
current level of resources.
The development of new invasive
species legislation in Victoria presents
an opportunity for the Taskforce to
communicate its insights on successful
approaches to control of widespread,
established weeds.
VBS 2014 /2019 11
From over a decade of experience
with community-led control programs,
the Taskforce has great con?dence
in the ability of communities to
achieve effective blackberry control.
The Taskforce believes strongly in
the importance providing ?exible
and local support for land managers
and their communities which re?ect
their individual circumstances and
experiences. This offers the best
opportunity to deal with blackberry
(and pest management in general) at a
local level and to contribute to broader
landscape sustainability.
The Taskforce has been instrumental
in motivating, inspiring and supporting
local communities to see that they can
make a difference but to do so, they must
lead and take responsibility themselves
for blackberry control.
Land previously overrun by blackberry
is becoming productive again which is
motivating communities to long-term
control that will see blackberry diminish
as a threat to agricultural land and
environmental values.
Blackberry control groups have
identi?ed the critical importance of
?nancial support from the Taskforce
to enable them to engage local project
of?cers. These project of?cers act
as a catalyst for getting landholder
participation in blackberry control and
are responsible for managing planned
and coordinated control programs.
The resources, information and support
provided by the Taskforce, and via its
website, help existing groups but also
encourage new community groups to
see what is possible.
Achievements and challenges
A review of the Victorian Blackberry Strategy 2008–2013 identi?ed the
achievements and progress made in tackling blackberry in Victoria as
well as further challenges to be addressed.
VBS 2014 /2019 10
The Victorian Blackberry Strategy has
six objectives:
1. The Victorian Blackberry Taskforce
provides effective state-wide
leadership on blackberry management.
2. The community, stakeholders and
government understand the bene?ts of
managing blackberry in Victoria.
3. Community control programs reduce
the local impact of blackberry on
agricultural, environmental and
social values.
4. Community capacity is enhanced and
supported through the state-wide
network of blackberry control groups.
5. Development of innovative solutions for
cost-effective blackberry management.
6. Outcomes of the Victorian Blackberry
Strategy are monitored and reported.
Objectives
VBS 2014 /2019 13
The vision of the Victorian Blackberry
Taskforce is a future where the community
understands the impact of blackberry on
biodiversity and land productivity, and
takes action.
A partnership approach is needed to
achieve the goals and objectives of this
Victorian Blackberry Strategy.
This new Strategy con?rms the integral
role of the Taskforce in its advisory
role to the Victorian Government,
the opportunities for investment and
partnership and the planned achievements
it will deliver.
Our vision
‘The wider community accepts
responsibility for blackberry
control and contributes to
ongoing protection of social,
environmental and economic
assets through reducing the
impact of blackberry in Victoria.’
VBS 2014 /2019 12
Our vision
The National Blackberry Strategic Plan
2012–17 sets the vision for the effective
management of blackberry to prevent
its spread and reduce impact across
Australia. It sets the direction for state
planning and establishes a coordinated
process for managing blackberry across
the nation. The Victorian Blackberry
Strategy will contribute to achieving
the three key goals of the National
Blackberry Strategy:
1. Prevent new infestations
from establishing
2. Strategically manage existing
blackberry infestations
3. Increase the capability and
commitment to effectively
manage blackberry.
The Australian Weeds Strategy 2007
is prepared by the Australian Weeds
Committee and recognises that weed
management is essential to the
sustainable management of natural
resources, the economy, the environment,
human health and amenity and that
it requires an integrated whole-of-
government and community-wide
approach. The Strategy was based on seven
principles, three of which are most relevant
to the Victorian Blackberry Strategy:
• Combating weed problems is a shared
responsibility that requires all parties
to have a clear understanding of
their roles.
• Weed management requires
coordination among all levels
of government in partnership with
industry, land and water managers
and the community, regardless
of tenure.
• Building capacity across government,
industry, land and water managers and
the community is fundamental to
effective weed management.
The Growing Food and Fibre Initiative
of the Department of Environment and
Primary Industries seeks to increase the
productivity and pro?tability of Victoria’s
key food and ?bre sectors. One aspect of
the initiative is to support community-led
action on effective management of
established weeds and pests.
VBS 2014 /2019 15
It aims to encourage the involvement
of other agencies and groups as well
as increased support, incentives and
investment in sustainable land use in
Victoria, and particularly the control
of blackberry. It should guide future
partnerships and help us work together
to achieve healthy catchments with an
integrated approach across regions and
catchments as well as at the local and
farm levels. Particular consideration is
given to production, environmental and
social factors affecting blackberry control.
Direction and guiding principles for this
Strategy are informed by legislation and
key documents:
The Invasive Plants and Animals Policy
Framework presents the overarching
Victorian Government approach to the
management of existing and potential
invasive species within the context of
the Biosecurity Strategy for Victoria.
The framework is underpinned by
the recognition of the importance of
partnerships and building capacity and
con?dence of land managers in achieving
effective invasive species management.
The Biosecurity Strategy for Victoria
outlines the vision for biosecurity
management in Victoria and seeks to
protect Victoria from biosecurity threats
that affect primary industries, environment,
social amenity and human health.
Victorian Catchment and Land Protection
Act 1994 – The Act is Victoria’s primary
legislation for invasive plants and animals.
The Act requires all land owners, including
the Crown, public authorities and licensees
of Crown lands, in relation to their land, to
take all reasonable steps to:
• Eradicate regionally-prohibited weeds
• Prevent the growth and spread of
regionally-controlled weeds on their land.
The Victorian Blackberry Strategy
recognises that a community-led
approach on blackberry requires
a state-wide strategic framework.
Scope
VBS 2014 /2019 14
Our partnerships across the Victorian
Government and with local governments,
catchment management authorities,
community groups and industry are
essential to developing a coordinated
approach to blackberry management
and will continue to evolve. Effective
partnerships can occur between
government and the community
where this is a common commitment
to working together on dealing with
blackberry, and this can be independent
of any funding arrangement.
Signi?cant potential exists to work
with other Victorian groups, agencies,
organisations and departments on
blackberry control. We will build new
partnerships and links with innovative
projects to share resources, knowledge,
ideas and creative energy. These
partnerships will save costs and see new
technologies and strategies developed for
sustainable resource use in Victoria.
A collaborative approach is essential
across all levels of government with
different land tenures. The variety of
activities undertaken to implement this
Strategy represents a focus on weeds as
the problem as well as sustainable land
management as the solution.
Opportunities for innovation,
partnerships and investment
The Victorian Blackberry
Taskforce has contributed
to the outcomes of various
strategies and believes
integration is critical for
achieving the large-scale goals
for blackberry management.
VBS 2014 /2019 16
The wider community accepts responsibility for blackberry control and contributes to ongoing protection of social, environmental and economic assets through reducing the impact of blackberry in Victoria.
Local communities taking responsibility
for blackberry management
• Farm asset value is increased
• Landscape change is highly visible
• The community is empowered to manage blackberry
effectively (i.e. not dependent on government support)
Widespread attitudinal change occurs: less community
tolerance of blackberry infestations
• Blackberry is contained and prevented from
establishing in new areas
• Land managers voluntarily preventing the growth and
spread of blackberry on their properties
• Less time and expenses incurred controlling blackberry
Land stewardship enhanced through attitude and practice
change at local levels
• The density of existing blackberry infestations is reduced
on public and private land
• Satellite infestations at a local level are
controlled /eradicated
Advocacy for biocontrol and
other research priorities
Partnerships between public
and private land owners
Blackberry control
information disseminated
Bene?ts of community-led
blackberry control
• Increased awareness of the impacts of blackberry
• Increased knowledge and skills of best practice
management
• Increased private and public landholder participation
• Research into biological control of blackberry occurs
• Community groups supported to manage blackberry
Indicators of success
Increased productivity of
agricultural land
Environmental assets
protected and enhanced
The extent of blackberry in Victoria is reduced
Existing infestations are prioritised and treated
by control groups
Active state-wide network
of control groups
Community groups advocate
local standards of blackberry
control
Generating participation
through community
control groups
Strong relationships between
community and government
Strategic framework
VBS 2014 /2019 19
Framework for action
Vision
VBS 2014 /2019 18
PARTNERSHIPS WHEN OUTCOME
VBT, DEPI,
community
VBT, DEPI
VBT, DEPI
VBT, DEPI
Ongoing
2014-2015
2014
Ongoing
The vision, goals and objectives of the Victorian
Blackberry Strategy are achieved.
The goals and objectives of the Victorian
Blackberry Strategy are supported by new
invasive species legislation in Victoria.
The Victorian Blackberry Taskforce is funded and
the VBS is successfully implemented.
Taskforce members and project staff are suitably
skilled to perform their respective duties.
VBS 2014 /2019 21
OBJECTIVE 1 THE VICTORIAN BLACKBERRY TASKFORCE PROVIDES EFFECTIVE STATE-WIDE LEADERSHIP ON BLACKBERRY MANAGEMENT
• ADDRESSING THE IMPACTS OF BLACKBERRY AT A STATE-WIDE LEVEL REQUIRES A SINGLE BODY TO PROVIDE LEADERSHIP AND TO COORDINATE EFFORT ACROSS GOVERNMENT, STAKEHOLDERS
AND THE COMMUNITY.
ACTION
1.1 Drive implementation of the Victorian Blackberry Strategy via effective
relationships with government and stakeholders on blackberry management.
1.2 Contribute to the development of the new Victorian invasive species
legislation and supporting implementation tools (e.g. regulation, codes of
practice, accreditation systems, management plans, etc.).
1.3 Seek funding for an Executive Of?cer position responsible to the Victorian
Blackberry Taskforce and for implementation of the Community
Partnership Program.
1.4 Provide Taskforce members and project staff with appropriate training to
perform duties that help achieve the aims of the Strategy.
VBS 2014 /2019 20
• SUCCESSFUL CONTROL OF BLACKBERRY CAN LIFT THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY OF LAND, PROTECT ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES AND ENHANCE SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL VALUES OF THE
LANDSCAPE, HOWEVER LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO BLACKBERRY CONTROL IS REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS.
• THE VICTORIAN BLACKBERRY TASKFORCE HAS A CRITICAL ROLE IN RAISING AWARENESS OF THE SCALE OF THE BLACKBERRY PROBLEM AND THE SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE TO ADDRESS IT.
PARTNERSHIPS WHEN OUTCOME
VBT, DEPI, CMAs,
industry, local
governments,
community groups
VBT, community
action groups,
industry
VBT, DEPI,
CMAs, Landcare
networks,
community groups
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Comprehensive communication networks are
established and functioning effectively between
all stakeholders.
Industry supports and contributes to blackberry
management, including rehabilitation and
revegetation.
Increased effectiveness of investment in
landscape change projects.
VBS 2014 /2019 23
OBJECTIVE 2 THE COMMUNITY, STAKEHOLDERS AND GOVERNMENT UNDERSTAND THE BENEFITS OF MANAGING BLACKBERRY IN VICTORIA
ACTION
2.1 Build effective communication with government, stakeholders and
the wider community to promote the Victorian Blackberry Strategy and its
implementation.
2.2 Investigate and pursue investment from a variety of sources,
including agricultural and forestry industries, to support long-term planning,
incentives and resources for blackberry management.
2.3 Support current and new landscape change projects that require blackberry
to be controlled and which enhance the environmental, social and productive
capacity of land and water.
VBS 2014 /2019 22
• THE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM AUSPICED BY THE VICTORIAN BLACKBERRY TASKFORCE HAS PROVEN VERY SUCCESSFUL IN ACHIEVING LONG-TERM CONTROL OF BLACKBERRY AND
REALISING ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BENEFITS.
• THE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM IS BASED ON A PHILOSOPHY THAT COMMUNITIES CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHEN THEY TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR BLACKBERRY MANAGEMENT IN THEIR LOCAL LANDSCAPE.
PARTNERSHIPS WHEN OUTCOME
VBT, Landcare,
CMAs, DEPI
Community
groups, DEPI, VBT,
CMAs, public land
managers
VBT, public land
managers
VBT, community
groups
DEPI, VBT
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Higher community awareness of the need to
control blackberry.
The density of blackberry is reduced in priority
areas across the state.
Blackberry control on public land supports the
goals of community groups.
Effective investment in community groups.
Improved compliance programs through
integrated approaches with community and other
key stakeholders.
VBS 2014 /2019 25
OBJECTIVE 3 COMMUNITY CONTROL PROGRAMS REDUCE THE LOCAL IMPACT OF BLACKBERRY ON AGRICULTURAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL VALUES
ACTION
3.1 Implement an ongoing program of community education and awareness
about the costs of blackberry infestations in the landscape.
3.2 Community groups identify and map areas with high productive,
environmental or social (community support) values and develop
management strategies to suit their respective communities.
3.3 Encourage public land managers to participate in community control
programs and allocate resources and demonstrate good land
management practice.
3.4 Implement the Community Partnership Program where community groups
demonstrate commitment and capacity to work effectively together and
engage other stakeholders in land management.
3.5 Strategic enforcement of the Catchment and Land Protection Act, to protect
land and resource assets and investment. Compliance action will also
occur to support community group action, integrated project outcomes and
local government incentives.
VBS 2014 /2019 24
PARTNERSHIPS WHEN OUTCOME
VBT, community
action groups
VBT, community
action groups
VBT, community
action groups
VBT
VBT
VBT, community
groups
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Annually
Ongoing
Ongoing
Community groups maintain their capacity to lead
their management programs.
Community groups enhance their knowledge
and skills in community-led action on blackberry
management.
Project of?cers enhance their knowledge and
skills in supporting community groups.
Communities increase their efforts in the control
of blackberry.
Increased self-suf?ciency of community groups
to control blackberry.
Increased local community capacity to develop
and implement coordinated blackberry
management plans.
VBS 2014 /2019 27
OBJECTIVE 4 COMMUNITY CAPACITY IS ENHANCED AND SUPPORTED THROUGH THE STATE-WIDE NETWORK OF BLACKBERRY CONTROL GROUPS
• SINCE 2001, OVER 10 COMMUNITY GROUPS HAVE BEEN SUPPORTED TO MANAGE BLACKBERRY INFESTATIONS. THESE GROUPS HAVE DEVELOPED A HUGE RANGE OF KNOWLEDGE ON WHAT MAKES
COMMUNITY-LED ACTION SUCCESSFUL. THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO HARNESS THAT KNOWLEDGE FOR BOTH EXISTING AND NEW COMMUNITY GROUPS.
• COMMUNITY GROUPS CAN FACE SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES IN PROVIDING LEADERSHIP ON WEED MANAGEMENT AT A LOCAL COMMUNITY SCALE.
ACTION
4.1 Strengthen networks between community groups via social media and the
Victorian Blackberry Taskforce website.
4.2 Facilitate ?eld days and other forums for community groups to participate in
and share knowledge.
4.3 Arrange opportunities for the community group project of?cers to
network together.
4.4 Recognise and reward community achievements in blackberry management.
4.5 Build the capacity of community groups to attract funding and resources for
blackberry control.
4.6 Support the establishment of new blackberry control groups.
VBS 2014 /2019 26
PARTNERSHIPS WHEN OUTCOME
VBT, DEPI, CSIRO
VBT, CSIRO, DEPI
VBT, community
groups, Landcare,
CMAs
VBT, DEPI,
community groups
VBT, DEPI, CSIRO,
community groups
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
The result of research is integrated in blackberry
management programs and effectively
communicated to community.
Effective research provides for best management
of blackberry across all land tenures.
Improved management of blackberry on complex
sites is achieved through increased knowledge.
Greater awareness of the social barriers to
participation inform development of blackberry
programs.
Research results are integrated into blackberry
management approaches by land managers.
VBS 2014 /2019 29
OBJECTIVE 5 DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR COST-EFFECTIVE BLACKBERRY MANAGEMENT
• THERE IS AN ONGOING NEED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW CONTROL TECHNIQUES, PARTICULARLY BIOLOGICAL CONTROL, TO COMPLEMENT EXISTING CONTROL METHODS.
• THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT OF BLACKBERRY BY INCREASING LAND MANAGERS’ AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF NEW RESEARCH AND INFORMATION.
ACTION
5.1 Work in partnership with research institutions and other stakeholders to
promote the development and uptake of innovative, cost-effective
best management approaches to blackberry control.
5.2 Advocate for ongoing research into biological control options for blackberry.
5.3 Support community groups to trial best management approaches, especially
in areas with complex issues relating to blackberry control, such as
non-arable and steep marginal land, riparian and upper catchment areas.
5.4 Strengthen the community-led approach to blackberry management
by incorporating knowledge of the social drivers and barriers to
blackberry control.
5.5 Capture and disseminate new research and information on blackberry control
to increase community group and land manager understanding.
VBS 2014 /2019 28
PARTNERSHIPS WHEN OUTCOME
VBT
VBT
VBT,
community groups
VBT
Annually
Annually
2014
Ongoing
Blackberry management is reported annually to
key stakeholders and investors.
Victorian Blackberry Taskforce maintains its
focus on strategic priorities over the life of
the Strategy.
Improved understanding of the broad range of
bene?ts from supporting community-led action
on blackberry management.
Community and stakeholder access to up-to-date
information on blackberry management.
VBS 2014 /2019 31
OBJECTIVE 6 OUTCOMES OF THE VICTORIAN BLACKBERRY STRATEGY ARE MONITORED AND REPORTED
• THE VICTORIAN BLACKBERRY TASKFORCE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COORDINATING AND MONITORING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE VICTORIAN BLACKBERRY STRATEGY WHICH INCLUDES REPORTING ON
PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENTS. TARGETS WILL BE SET ANNUALLY ONCE THE ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET OF THE TASKFORCE IS CONFIRMED.
• THE TASKFORCE NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO DESCRIBE THE COSTS AND BENEFITS FROM INVESTMENT IN THE STRATEGY.
• INFORMATION GENERATED THROUGH MONITORING ENABLES THE TASKFORCE RESPOND TO OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OVER THE LIFE OF THE STRATEGY.
ACTION
6.1 Publish annual reports on the progress of this Strategy (and annual work
plan targets – see Action 6.2).
6.2 Conduct an annual review of progress on the Strategy to inform the next
year’s priorities, targets and the Executive Of?cer work plan.
6.3 Develop case studies to describe the economic, environmental and social
impacts of the Community Partnership Program.
6.4 Ensure the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce website provides ready access for
the community and stakeholders to current information and progress of
the Strategy.
VBS 2014 /2019 30
Victorian Blackberry Taskforce membership
Lyn Coulston – Chairperson
Robin Adair – Research scientist
Nigel Ainsworth – Department of Environment AND Primary Industries- Policy
Alex Arbuthnot – National Blackberry Council Chair
Andrew Edgar – Glenelg Hopkins region
Ben Fahey – Parks Victoria
Terry Hubbard - Goulburn Broken region
Anthony Jarvis – North East Victoria
Shane O’Loughlin – Northern Central Victoria
Dawn Parker – East Gippsland
Barton Roberts - Acting Executive Of?cer DEPI 2014
References
Page, A. & Lacey K. (2006). Economic impact assessment of Australian weed biological
control. Cooperative Research Centre for Australian Weed Management, Technical
Series, No. 10, Adelaide.
Steel, J. Kohout, M. & Newell, G. (2008). Climate change and potential distribution of
weeds: Whither the weeds under climate change? Department of Primary Industries,
Frankston, Victoria.
Websites
www.depi.vic.gov.au
www.depi.vic.gov.au/vro
www.vicblackberrytaskforce.com.au
www.weeds.org.au
Notes
VBS 2014 /2019 32
doc_719803435.pdf