Partnerships against pests field day – Thursday 5th December – Woodleigh

On Thursday, December 5th, the Bass Coast Landcare Network (BCLN), in partnership with the Kongwak Ellipak Beef-Cheque farmer group, hosted a Partnerships Against Pests field day at the property of Marie and David Triggs in Woodleigh. More than 25 local landholders attended the event, which focused on educating farmers about managing weeds and pest animals such as foxes, rabbits, and deer on their properties.
The day began with morning tea and an introduction from BCLN’s Executive General Manager, Dave Bateman. Dave acknowledged the generous funding support for these field days from DEECA and the Department of Agriculture.
BCLN's Works Crew Team Leader, Bill Barry, led the first session, providing a thorough overview of common weed species in the region. Bill also discussed the most effective control methods and products, concluding with a Q&A session that addressed specific concerns from landholders about which chemicals and techniques work best for different types of weeds.

Afterward, attendees took part in a farm walk on Marie and David’s stunning property, which boasts 5km of Bass River frontage. The group focused on the ongoing Hemlock problem along the river, with expert advice from Emanuel Vlamis of Skyline Management. Emanuel explained the challenges posed by deer in the area, which are causing significant damage to properties like Marie and David’s.
The discussion continued at the property’s house, where Emanuel provided insight into the history of Skyline Management and their efforts to support landholders in managing deer populations. Notably, Marie’s property became the first in Victoria to receive an ATCW permit for trapping fallow deer, a process that took two years to complete. Skyline Management now aims to streamline this process to assist other landholders in obtaining permits more quickly.
Aaron, BCLN’s Invasive Species Team Leader, wrapped up the expert talks with a detailed presentation on managing foxes and rabbits. His session covered pest numbers, breeding patterns, habitat, and effective control measures. The session was highly informative, and landholders had plenty of opportunities to ask Aaron questions during a lively lunch discussion.
The field day provided valuable insights and practical advice for local farmers dealing with pests and weeds, reinforcing the importance of community collaboration in tackling these challenges.

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