Rural & Agriculture
6 June, 2026
Snake Valley unites against gorse
THE distinctive yellow flowers of gorse are appearing across the region to the dismay of local farmers. Gorse is a difficult weed with seeds that can survive 30 years.
The tiny seeds can be easily picked up by vehicle tyres, graders or moved in contaminated soil so spreading the problem wider.
Members of the Snake Valley community were feeling overwhelmed by gorse.
The Victorian Gorse Taskforce’s gorse ambassador for the area, Nick Moll, worked with the Upper Mount Emu Creek Landcare Network facilitator Lyn Heenan to help address the issue.
“Prior to the Snake Valley Gorse community of practice commencing, landholders were at a loss to know what to do, particularly as a collective group. The program has provided the necessary momentum. It has been invaluable for galvanising landholder interest and engagement in gorse control,” Ms Heenan said.
The Upper Mount Emu Creek Landcare Network has supported the Mag Dam Committee of Management and the Snake Valley community to participate in the Victorian Gorse Taskforce’s pilot gorse community of practice program.
This program is a new approach for the VGT, and the early indications are promising.
“The community of practice approach has enabled strong community ties to form around tackling this dominate weed in the Snake Valley district. The energy of working together, developing skills and knowledge, reducing fire risk, increasing land values and improving the environment is creating enthusiasm for the next stages as they emerge,” she said.
As part of the pilot, a free chemical use course (ACUP) was held on 30th and 31st May attracting over 15 Snake Valley land managers.
A free ‘gorse festival’ will now be held on the 14th of June starting at the Snake Valley Community Hall.
There will be guest speakers, information on controlling gorse, property mapping, a paddock ‘walk and talk’, and a fun event to finish it off.
A free lunch will be provided to everyone attending.
If you would like to attend, please register with Lyn Heenan via email lyn_heenan@bigpond.com.
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