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 endeavoured to ensure our resources and information are easily accessed and offered through a variety of platforms and media channels. The VBT continues to provide valuable ongoing support on our website, YouTube channel, Facebook page and regular online newsletters. The VBT website was upgraded with additional resources and we regularly respond to community enquiries through post, telephone and email.
Due to lockdowns and restrictions on gatherings our Demonstration Days, usually held across the State in spring, were unable to go ahead. However, these will resume in December and, all being well, continue until April 2021.
As can be seen by this Progress Report, our Partnership Groups continued supporting their communities in spite of the constraints. Some activities supported by the VBT, such as Field Days and Forums, had to go on hold and will resume next year.
The revised Victorian Blackberry Strategy 2020-2025 (VBS) was finalised and is now on the VBT Website. The VBS is the guiding document for blackberry control in Victoria and we look forward to achieving its objectives over the next five years.
The VBT continues to provide support, information and resources to all those wanting to control blackberry for conservation or productive outcomes. Working together with our communities and other partners is the foundation of our successful approach to reducing blackberry in Victoria.
Read the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce – Progress Report 2019-2020.