The productivity and profitability of the farming sector has long been recognised with the government taking action to ensure its continuing viability after tough times and drought years.

It is waging a concerted campaign against weeds and pests with the Department of Primary Industries more than doubling property inspections to target landowners who fail to control weeds which are a threat to agriculture.

Almost 800 properties in the North-East and Goulburn-Murray catchment areas totalling more than 51,000 hectares were checked in six months.

Many farmers have been issued notices to take action to eliminate problems.

But it is pleasing to see that the government is also providing financial assistance for councils to take necessary action.

The government has long been described as “the neighbour from hell” over its attitude with weeds and animals on its land.

It allocated an additional $21.2 million in the state budget to boost the fight against weeds and pests.

One council is already working on road shoulders in its region to erase blackberry and St John’s wort.