If you ever think you’re too small to be effective, you’ve never been in bed with a mosquito!

Wendy Leska

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS

An important aspect of the work of the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce is facilitating and supporting the development of projects under its Community Partnership Program. These projects empower communities to tackle blackberry on their own terms within the guidelines of the program.

Community partnership projects are geared towards providing community with greater ownership of blackberry management by developing joint projects between community and government and promoting local solutions. The Victorian Blackberry Taskforce strives to promote the principals of community engagement, inclusion in decision-making, representation and deliberation within these projects. It focuses on partnership and relationship development using a collaborative approach to encourage community capacity building.

Bushfire Recovery Program

In addition to our traditional Community Partnership Program, the Taskforce has received funding to work with various communities manage blackberry after the 2009 fires. The post-bushfire environment provided a unique opportunity to reduce pest animals as the cover that protects them is removed. Projects were established in Central Gippsland, Yarra Ranges and Mudgegonga.

Community Partnership Program Evaluation

The Victorian Blackberry Taskforce’s Community Partnership Program has played an important role in communities since 2005.
As a result of the Established Pest Animals and Weeds initiative, part of the Australian Governments Agricultural Competitiveness Whitepaper, an independent review was undertaken to evaluate the program.

The evaluation focused on three areas –
1. How effective is the program?
2. How efficient is the program?
3. How appropriate is the program?

A total of 6 groups participated in the evaluation- Mitta to Murray Blackberry Action Group (North East Victoria), Barkers Creek Blackberry and Gorse Action Group, Dabyminga Blackberry Action Group and Triangle Blackberry Action Group (Central Victoria), Corner Inlet Blackberry Action Group, (Gippsland) and Wellington District Blackberry Action Group (Gippsland).

Read the summary document – ‘Evaluation of the Community Partnership Program – Summary’

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VBT Community Partnership Program 2020-2021
Our community partnerships program continues to support community-led action groups across the state to reduce blackberry in their local area.

Current Community Partnership Projects:

Whittlesea and Surrounds Blackberry Action Group

Silvan Blackberry Action Group

Woodnook Project – Improving the biodiversity of Dixons Creek

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Contacts

Contact the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce:

Victorian Blackberry Taskforce PO Box 536 Wodonga 3689

vbt@vicblackberrytaskforce.com.au

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