Barnaby Joyce - tackles pests and weeds

OVER $24.5 MILLION TO TACKLE PEST ANIMALS AND WEEDS

Thirty-six projects, valued at more than $24.5 million to combat the impact of feral animals and weeds on agricultural and public land have been announced by the Coalition Government.

Member for New England and Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce said pest animals and weeds threaten our primary productivity, environment, and biodiversity.

“These projects will have a positive impact for the people of New England,” Mr Joyce said.

“New England will share in $625,000 for novel rat-specific toxin for the improved management of rats in intensive livestock production systems while over $1.5 million has also been committed to supress wild dogs, red foxes, feral cats and feral pigs in the electorate,” Mr Joyce said.

“New England will also share over $1.187 million for the control of feral deer and pigs to low densities and over $747,000 to fast-track and optimise the release of weed biocontrol agents through increasing the area, extent, number and types of agents released.”

Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud said pest animals cost our farmers and land managers $800 million a year, and weeds over $4 billion a year, in lost production and control activities.

“It is a fantastic outcome that our commitment will leverage an additional $45 million of cash and in-kind support, matched by state and territory governments to deliver real benefits on the ground,” Mr Littleproud said.