The council will use the $51,745 to support its roadside weed control program, targeting declared weeds including serrated tussock, gorse, blackberry, broom, sweet briar and hawthorn.

A council spokesperson said weeds were a problem on roadsides across the shire, which was not unusual for large rural councils.

"Woody weeds like gorse are a particular problem in the shire's north, while serrated tussock is an issue in the southern half of shire," the spokesperson said.

Residents regularly contacted the council to report weeds in neighbouring properties, with reports regarding roadside infestations less frequent.

"As the land manager of the shire's local roads, council has more control over weeds located on roadsides than on private property. Feedback on private property infestations is still appreciated as it provides council with useful information to help target problem areas," the spokesperson said.

Last year the council received $47,727 which, combined with council contributions, supported roadside weed control of more than 1500 kilometres.

Given current conditions, the council expects to cover a similar distance of roadsides to last year.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Helena Kirby welcomed the state government's roadside weeds and pests program funding to support invasive weed control across the shire's roadsides.

"The roadside weeds and pests program funding announcement from the Victorian government is excellent news for local residents and will help support the native flora and fauna across our shire," Cr Kirby said.

"Council is committed to protecting the rural environment that make our shire such a beautiful place to live and controlling invasive weeds on our roadsides is key to allowing these native plants and animals to flourish and protecting the agriculture sector from the impacts of invasive weeds.

"This funding will allow council to continue its successful roadside weed control program, which saw invasive weeds controlled across more than 1500 kilometres of Golden Plains Shire roadsides in 2020."

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