Figure 1.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The North East Catchment Management Authority is inviting landholders and private land managers in the Upper King River Valley, between Lake William Hovell and Edi Cutting, to submit an Expression of Interest to receive grant funding for the control of priority invasive woody weeds.
Proposed weed control activities must be located within the Program Area only (see Figure 1).
We are seeking projects that cover a minimum area of 1 hectare (2.5 acres). Sites may be located anywhere within the Program Area, including difficult or hard to access locations such as farm dams or stream corridors. The aim of the program is to reduce the local and regional spread of invasive woody weeds, which are costly to manage and cause ongoing environmental damage if left untreated.
THE EOI PERIOD WILL RUN FROM 25 May to 2 July 2026 (5pm)
PRIORITY WOODY WEED SPECIES
Funding is available to support control of the following priority woody weed species:
- Black Willow (Salix nigra)
- Grey Sallow (Salix cinerea)
- Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus species aggregate)
- Chilean Cestrum (Cestrum parqui)
Descriptions of these species are provided in the Weed Identification section included in the Information for Applicants document.
WHY ARE INCENTIVES BEING OFFERED?
The King Valley, the King River, and its tributaries are an important river system that supports agriculture, native vegetation, tourism and recreation. In recent years the system has been increasingly affected by drought, storms and flood events.
Invasive woody weeds impact the system by:
- Channel obstruction and change
Woody weeds establish within streambeds, causing flow diversion, increased erosion, channel instability and breakout events.
Dense woody weed growth reduces channel capacity, contributing to localised flooding.
Woody weeds can outcompete native vegetation through shading, dense root systems and high water use. Loss of native vegetation can further destabilise streambanks and reduce habitat quality.
Leaf drop from deciduous species leads to rapid decomposition in waterways, reducing dissolved oxygen levels and impacting aquatic life.
This incentives program supports improved floodplain and river health, increased climate resilience, and reduced threats to biodiversity by encouraging coordinated weed control across the catchment.
FUNDING DETAILS
The North East CMA is offering $3000 (ex GST) per successful landholder project. Funding is paid over two years at $1500
(ex GST) per year.
For more information about funding details, how to apply, eligibility and site assessment criteria, download the following: