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Victorian Blackberry Taskforce > Blog > blackberry management

Melbourne-based academics Joseph Noster and Millie Cattlin were looking for a damaged site that needed caretaking and rehabilitation. In 2015 they found The Quarry – a sandstone quarry in Beech Forest that had been operating since the 1800s.  Prior to it being a quarry, First Nations Gadubanud people had a long history in the area, […]

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Want to catch up on the latest from leading scientists, government and community about the impact and control of invasive species, and more importantly, what is on the horizon in innovative research? Then it’s a good time to view the presentations delivered at our recent forum: FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT – […]

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Join us on Friday, 15 March. Now is the time to register for the Invasive Species Forum:FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENTBRINGING SCIENCE AND COMMUNITY TOGETHER 15 March 2024, 9am-3pmMelbourne Museum – Tree Tops Venue This is an opportunity to hear from leading scientists, government and community about the impact and control of invasive species, and more […]

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cover image of VBT Progress Report 2023

VBT PROGRESS REPORT 2023 CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT 2022-2023 The main objective of the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce (VBT) is to oversee implementation of the Victorian Blackberry Strategy (VBS), with the key goal to reduce the growth and spread of blackberry across Victoria. The emphasis is on education, advocacy and providing accessible information and support for public and […]

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How do we achieve effective biological control of invasive European Blackberry? Dr Robin Adair, Australis Biological & Dr Rae Kwong, Biocontrol Scientist, DEECA In Australia, invasive European blackberry consists of a complex of around 18 recognised species and a range of hybrids, which collectively are amalgamated into Rubus fruticosus sp. agg. The first introductions to […]

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The Victorian Blackberry Taskforce (VBT) has successfully applied for the Federal Government’s Partnerships Against Pests Pilot project funding. The project funding will enable the VBT to continue engaging with community as landholders seek blackberry control information. The initiative includes an Invasive Species Forum, several blackberry control demonstrations, and a case study. The Invasive Species Forum […]

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WOODNOOK PROJECT PROGRESSING The Victorian Blackberry Taskforce has teamed up with some unusual partners to tackle the increasing prevalence of blackberry along a section of Dixons Creek – goats. The VBT provided funding to the Northern Yarra Landcare Network’s Woodnook Project in 2022 where a combination of goats, relocatable fencing and chemical control are being […]

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Blackberries – there are no boundaries. Be a good neighbour by controlling your blackberries. It spreads quickly to neighbouring land decreasing productivity and native habitat. Reduce the impact on land around you. Talk to your neighbours and work together. Develop your blackberry control plan and stick to it. There are plenty of control methods to […]

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PHEASANT CREEK BLACKBERRY ACTION GROUP & THE VBT Invite you to a blackberry control workshop – ‘Demonstrating Effective Blackberry Control Techniques’. Sunday 19 March 10am-12pm Corner of Tooheys Road & Whittlesea-Kinglake Road Kinglake Central Morning tea provided. RSVP by the 12 March – essential for catering purposes. Contact Chris Cobern 0413 855 490 or email: […]

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VBT NEWS 12 – DECEMBER 2022 The latest edition of the VBT News is now available online. Read the latest from the VBT, including information on the effectiveness of Glyphosate: THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GLYPHOSATE ON BLACKBERRY The VBT receives many enquiries about chemical control and is most commonly asked what the best product is to […]

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The VBT continues to educate communities on effective blackberry control techniques. The following VBT Blackberry Control Demonstration Events will take place this blackberry season. 16th October- Co-hosted with the Harcourt Sedgwick Landcare Group – Location: Sedgwick. 20th November- Co-hosted with the Quarry Project – Location: Beech Forest 30th November- Co-hosted with the South Gippsland Landcare […]

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CONTROLLING BLACKBERRY IN URBAN/PERI-URBAN ENVIRONMENTS The Victorian Blackberry Taskforce receives many inquiries from landowners living in urban/peri-urban environments. Because landholders live close to each other, blackberry control options may differ compared with landholders in rural environments. Some controls are the same regardless of location. For example, the best time to apply herbicide is when the plant is actively growing – from November to […]

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WANT TO GET THE LATEST ON BLACKBERRY WEED CONTROL? The Victorian Blackberry Taskforce has a number of upcoming events planned. Head along and get the latest on blackberry management. August 15 – Blackberry Control Demonstration event, Location - Fish Creek, co-hosted with the South Gippsland Landcare Network. September 18 - Invasive Species Forum, Location - [...]
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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. This approach recognises that integrated and coordinated action is needed […]

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The Victorian Blackberry Taskforce and Swifts Creek Landcare Group co-hosted a blackberry control demonstration event at the Tambo Valley Gun Club near Swifts Creek. Twenty people attended the event on the 30th April, where presenters focussed on  ‘Best Practice Blackberry Control Techniques’, including the use of new technology and drone applications (see main image). A […]

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Chairperson’s Report 2019 and 2020 has been very challenging for our communities with devastating impacts of drought and bushfires in many localities, followed by the Covid19 pandemic. The Victorian Blackberry Taskforce has continued to operate throughout the year to offer support to the many people who sought assistance with blackberry or weed issues.  We have […]

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The non-chemical demonstration site is located in North East Victoria, near the township of Towong. The property is a certified organic dairy farm. MANAGING BLACKBERRY: NON-CHEMICAL CONTROL Non-Chemical Control Demonstration Site: Results   OBSERVATIONS AND SECOND TREATMENT Observations and a second treatment of the product, which is accredited for use by organic growers, were conducted [...]
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