NATIVE vegetation around the Werribee Gorge, Moorabool River and Brisbane Ranges National Park will be better protected after the federal government allocated $1.6 million to Moorabool projects via its biodiversity fund.
More than $1.3 million was granted to the Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Management Authority for biodiverse plantings.
Moorabool Catchment Landcare was awarded $213,000 to control invasive weeds like serrated tussock. Spokesman Simon Cook said the weed was incredibly damaging for livestock, native fauna and flora.
“The purple seed heads of the weed knot up in cattle and sheep stomachs. It’s a huge problem for farmers.
“It also can wipe out native grasslands, which reduces the habitat for the endangered golden sun moth, which relies on wallaby grass.”
Mr Cook said the group would spray highly infested areas and work with the council to control the weed.
