Council
7 August, 2025
MP welcomes long-awaited state funding
MEMBER for SouthWest Coast Roma Britnell has welcomed new funding for the Roadside Weeds and Vegetation Program, calling it a long-overdue response to persistent advocacy for rural and regional communities.
As Western District Newspapers reported last week, the Victorian Government announced additional funding to support councils in preparing roadsides ahead of the fire season.
This included a flow of $69,471 for Corangamite Shire Council and $81,712 for Moyne Shire Council.
Ms Britnell said the announcement was welcome news after spending the past eight years calling on the Emergency Management Commissioner and the State Government to recognise the critical need for targeted roadside weed and vegetation management, particularly in the spring lead-up to fire season.
She said the government funding provided a significant win for regional safety and agricultural sustainability.
“This is a victory for common sense and for the communities who have been raising the alarm about the dangers posed by invasive weeds and overgrown vegetation,” Ms Britnall said.
“I’ve consistently pushed for this funding to be delivered through a co-ordinated program with the council, VicRoads, Country Fire Authority volunteers and Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action who are all well placed to manage local roadside environments, especially in the lead-up to fire season.
“It’s reassuring to see the government finally listen.”
Ms Britnell said the funding, while welcome, must be part of a broader, sustained commitment to regional preparedness.
The announcement follows years of lobbying, questions in Parliament and direct engagement with local councils and emergency management bodies by Ms Britnell, who has made roadside weed and vegetation control a key priority in her role representing South West Coast.
“Our farmers and rural communities deserve more than reactive measures,” she said.
“I will watch closely to ensure this funding announcement is not just another empty promise, putting our community at risk.
“This funding is a step in the right direction, but I’ll continue to advocate for long-term investment and strategic planning to protect lives, livelihoods, and landscapes.”
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