A $20 MILLION initiative has been announced on Tuesday, January 18 to help the agriculture sector fight pests.
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On-ground management of problematic pests and weeds will see a significant boost through an Australian Government investment of $20 million, matched dollar for dollar by state and territory governments to maximise impact and deliver collaborative reduction and prevention activities across the country.
Member for Mallee, Anne Webster said that the funding initiative will go a long way to achieve real results for local farmers in Mallee.
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"Pest and weed management is an ongoing issue for the local agricultural and horticultural industry and this funding expansion demonstrates the commitment of the Liberal National government towards the optimisation of our food and fibre industry," Dr Webster said.
"I welcome the commitment from my state and territory colleagues to co-invest with us to address this significant issue.
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.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud and Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley 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 on-ground through activities such as coordinated control, destruction and removal, including trapping, baiting and culling along with biological control release.
"They 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.
Minister Ley said the funding would help better protect Australia's unique environment from invasive plants and animals, as well as supporting the new Threatened Species Strategy.
"A reduction of pest animals and weeds will lead to more productive and profitable industries, and benefit native wildlife and the environment, including nature-based tourism industries and communities.
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