SUPPORT AND COORDINATION PROGRAM
The Midlands Biosecurity Group (MBG) will provide support to landholders to access the latest information, assistance with applications for Restricted Chemical Permits and on ground support with control methods. The aim of the Recognised Biosecurity Group is to achieve co-ordinated control across the landscape. The area prescribed in the MBG has been chosen as it is connected by parkland, river systems and catchments. This includes Beekeepers reserve, the Watheroo National Park, the Yarra Yarra lake system and its catchment, and the Moore River. Around 25% of the area is managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). The MBG and DBCA staff have been working together to develop a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure the Nil Tenure approach to pest management is achieved.
Over the next six months the MBG will be continue with its on-ground activities, funded through the state and federal governments and the sheep industry. The group have three Licensed Pest Management Technicians (LPMT) who are working with growers and land managers to monitor pest activity and assist growers with their control programs.
In February, a number of workshops will be held throughout the seven shires of the MBG area. These workshops will provide an update on the MBG’s on-ground activities as well as continuing to provide information around pest management.
The MBG Board of Management and executive officer will be available to present to community groups and councils about the MBG to answer any questions raised.
The MBG is grower-led organisation and encourages any landholder in the region to become a member. Full membership is free and available to any person who owns or occupies over 100ha of land in the Midlands region. Membership is not applied automatically to those farming in the region and an application form must be filled out. Membership allows members exclusive and full voting rights at member meetings of the group including the AGM as well as access to the latest information.
