Invasive plants awareness campaign set to boost Industry profile
The Nursery & Garden Industry is a key partner in a $2 million Government advertising campaign to raise community awareness about the environmental impact of invasive plants.
The Government advertising campaign will drive customers into garden centres and retail nurseries, giving industry businesses an unparalleled opportunity to position themselves as the community’s local ‘weed expert’. Comprising national radio and print advertising, the campaign will run from September 2007 to March 2008.
A letter to the industry from The Hon Malcolm Turnbull, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, and Senator The Hon Eric Abetz, Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation confirms that the Australian Government has engaged the industry to “provide a shop-front for the key messages of the Defeating the Weeds Menace program.”
The nursery and garden industry will play this important role “by providing information and advice to the public on invasive plants and possible alternatives.”
As part of this initiative, Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) has developed an Expert Invasive Plant Marketing Resource to assist retailers in educating their customers. Retailers are encouraged to register for this support material by contacting NGIA on ph: 02 9876 5200 or email: info@ngia.com.au.
Industry receives recognition for national Grow Me Instead campaign
As part of the Government Defeating the Weed Menace initiative, NGIA has received funding for the national development of the Grow Me Instead program. This program aims to identify suitable alternatives to garden plants that are considered invasive to the environment. Consumer training on the safe disposal of plant material is an integral part of the campaign.
