Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (14:04): (2401) My question is for the Minister for Agriculture. Residents have raised concerns about the spread of pests and noxious weeds on public land, including roadsides in Bendigo and across northern Victoria, in particular the spread of hairy fleabane and prickly lettuce. These two weeds are increasingly appearing along roadsides and creeping into pastures. Media reports highlight that the government’s own performance measures show a 30 per cent reduction in pest control overall and a reduction in departmental staff involved in pest and weed control. There is also a reduction in the annual weed control target from 50,000 hectares to 40,000 hectares, and department reports show a steady decline in pest and weed control over the last 11 years. The failure to control weeds and pests such as foxes, deer, pigs, wild dogs and rabbits on Crown land impacts on agricultural productivity and farm businesses and also damages native vegetation and biodiversity. Given ongoing concerns about weed and pest infestations on Crown land and roadsides, can the minister advise what additional action the government is taking to control pests and invasive weeds and prevent their spread into surrounding communities?