Drought-hit communities in the electorate of Blair will receive Australian Government support in their battle to control pest animals and weeds.
Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said 33 local government areas – including Somerset Regional Council in Blair – will share in $10 million under Round 2 of the Communities Combating Pest and Weed Impacts During Drought Program.
“We are delivering on another election commitment to help farmers and landholders manage pests and weeds at a time when they are least able to do so,” Minister Littleproud said.
“This program aims to reduce the detrimental economic, social and environmental effects associated with pest animals and weeds during drought.”
Queensland Senator Paul Scarr said managing pests and weeds was a significant cost for local farmers and even more of an impost for them in drought.
“Anything we can do now to help locals control scourges like rabbits, wild dogs and feral pigs along with some of our most detrimental weeds such as prickly acacia, African boxthorn and serrated tussock is an investment in the future,” Senator Scarr said.
“The capacity of our farmers to manage pests and weeds during drought is reduced because they are dealing with other challenges such as feeding livestock and keeping their farm businesses running.
“Weeds compete with fodder and native plants. Rabbits, deer, wild dogs and feral pigs wreak havoc, undermining drought management activities and recovery efforts, and can threaten both livestock and native animals.”
Communities Combating Pest and Weed Impacts During Drought Program funding is used by local councils to support farmers and land managers reduce the impacts of pest animals and weeds on agriculture and the environment, and to stimulate local economies and employment.
23 projects will be funded under Round 2 of the Program.
For more details about the Program visit www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/assistance/pest-management
Fast Facts:
- Nationally, the annual cost of established vertebrate pest animals is about $800m and over $4 billion for weeds in production losses and control activities.
- A 2016 survey undertaken by ABARES found that agricultural businesses spend an average of $7,023 yearly on pest animal management activities and an average of $17,917 yearly on weed management activities.
- Round 1 of the Program saw $15m delivered in 2018-19 for 48 pest and weed management and wild dog exclusion fencing projects in drought-affected areas.
