Community Projects
Community-led gorse control projects have shown it’s possible to eradicate or substantially reduce gorse across local landscapes. VGT helps local groups collaborate with public land managers and others to develop integrated and long-term campaigns against gorse.
Current Projects
Together, local people have shared their knowledge and experience to remove or manage hundreds of hectares of gorse on private land as well as along roadsides and waterways and across private and public land boundaries.
Community Projects - Commenced 2024
Project Groups
Project Name
Municipality(s)
Nearest Town(s)
Project Size
COMMUNITY PROJECT
South West Goulburn Landcare Network Project
A neighbourhood approach to tackling gorse
Three new landholders in Kilmore received a shock when they discovered what they thought was pristine property was in fact riddled with gorse. They joined up with two other landholders who had been tackling gorse on their properties to improve land management practices in the area. Other agencies are supporting the community effort. Mitchell Shire Council will work to control gorse on roadsides bordering these properties to boost chances of success.
Controlling gorse is a long-term commitment. We understand how daunting it can be to start, but by following a step-by-step process you can prepare, plan and control gorse.
Balcombe and Moorooduc Landcare Group 2023/24
Testimonials
“We are very grateful to the VGT in assisting us with removing gorse at the back of our property. This area abuts the local bridlepath and Devilbend Golf club and is an important uncultivated part of the property in which we hope to encourage native local flora and fauna to live and grow. Gorse is an ongoing problem but now we have managed to get rid of the bulk of it with VGTs assistance, we will be working hard to try to ensure that the area stays gorse free to allow native grasses and flowers to flourish.”
VGT 2023/2024 Grant recipient – Merricks North Vic
“My property is situated on a hill and can be steep in places. The gorse was very large and thick, and it would have been extremely difficult for me to get the same results without some external help. Without financial assistance (e.g., grants) this task would have not been achievable at all.”
VGT 2022/2023 Grant recipient – Berringa VIC
“It has given me a lot of peace of mind that I’m not contributing to what is a substantial problem in the area and I’m part of the solution now and it has also potentially increased the value of the property given management of gorse provides a better aesthetic element and creates a better space for native species. “
VGT 2022/2023 Grant recipient – Golden Point VIC
“Gorse is one of those weeds that just can’t be dealt with by the average person. It requires professionals and that can be expensive. This program bridges that gap. I was most impressed by how much work was done by the contractors, which lead me to find that extra money to extend the works. I would like to thank Victorian Gorse Taskforce, HRF and the contractors for all their support.”
VGT 2022/2023 Grant recipient – Moorooduc VIC
“The funding provided through the Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT) has been greatly appreciated and their support has been instrumental in us continuing to make what has been a significant investment in managing the gorse on our property. It is encouraging to know that external support is provided, and we hope it can continue to be provided to complement our own private efforts. We understand that we need to keep on top of the gorse management on our property through regular (annual) follow up attention to treat any regrowth as early as possible and would be grateful to be considered for future VGT support if this was available”
VGT 2021/2022 Grant recipient – Glenaroua VIC
Overcoming gorse is not impossible it just takes persistence, dedication and community led effort.
Collaboration with public land mangers and private landholders means more people working towards the same goal.
The first step to start your gorse control is commitment for long term, integrated gorse control techniques. Part of this is to develop a gorse control management plan. When you start developing your gorse control plan there are a few things that you should consider including:
- Work with your neighbours
- Make it a long-term management plan and stick to it
- Review and amend your plan as appropriate
- Seek professional advice
- Aim to treat every plant
- Don’t let plants set seed
- Remain vigilant and always follow up the previous season’s work.
Some main components to a successful gorse control program are:
- A long-term commitment from the land manager
- Treating all plants before they set seed
- The use of a combination of control methods
- To be persistent and regularly follow up with inspections of previous season’s work
- Revegetation and a change in the land use practices that allowed gorse to spread and grow.
Roadside weed control for the majority of country roadsides rests with Local Municipalities. For main roads as declared under the Roadside Management Act 2004, the responsibility is with VicRoads (click here for the VicRoads declared roads map).
Yes. Mulching, physical removal and cultivation are some control methods of gorse that don’t require the use of chemicals. Chemical free control methods can be effective but are often more labour intensive, costly and require increased levels of commitment and vigilance by the landholder over a long period.
Please read the VGT Gorse Best Practice Guide for more detailed information on chemical free gorse control methods.
