February 3rd, 2022Big boost to tackle pest and weeds
On-ground management of problematic pests and weeds will see a significant boost through an Australian Government investment of $20 million, matched by state and territory governments, to maximise reduction and prevention activities across the country.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said pest animals and weeds pose a significant threat to Australia’s primary production, environment and biodiversity.
“Pests and weeds are a huge and growing problem for Australia’s agriculture and environment,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Projects will reduce the overall burden of pests and weeds through activities such as coordinated control, destruction and removal, including trapping, baiting and culling along with biological control release.”
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said a reduction of pest animals and weeds will lead to more productive and profitable industries and benefit native wildlife and the environment.
“Projects will target nationally significant pest and weed species, such as feral deer, feral pigs, cats, foxes, rabbits, wild dogs and a range of invasive weeds across identified hot spots.”
For more information see: https://www.awe.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/pest-animals-and-weeds
Fast Facts:
· This funding expands on the $29.1 million Supporting Communities Manage Pest Animals and Weeds Program (2021-22 to 2024-25) to deliver better solutions to combat established pest animals and weeds. The total program funding is now $49.1 million.
· The Australian Government investment in established pest animal and weed management programs is more than $330 million since 2015 (2014-15 to 2024-25).
· Nationally, the annual cost of established vertebrate pest animals is estimated to be $800 million and over $4 billion for weeds in terms of production losses and control activities. The cost to the environment hasn’t been calculated but is likely to be higher.
· A 2019 ABARES survey found land managers spent an average of $8,189 annually on pest animal management, up from $7,304 in 2016.
