APPLICATIONS are now open for pest animal and weed-management projects in drought-affected areas of Queensland as part of the federal government’s additional $25.8 million drought-assistance package.
Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said the program, funded by the federal government and delivered by the Queensland government, was an important element of effective drought support.
“On top of the $8.8m we have already committed to pest-management programs across Australia, we are delivering an additional $25.8m under this year’s budget to continue to manage the impacts of pest animals and weeds in drought-affected areas,” he said.
Queensland Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Bill Byrne said more than $3.5m had been allocated so far to 11 projects.
“These projects have seen trapping support for pest animals provided to landholders who collectively manage 5.5 million hectares, and aerial shooting undertaken across 1.4 million hectares,” Mr Byrne said.
“Aerial baiting has also been provided to landholders who collectively manage 8 million hectares, as well as on-ground baiting across more than 10 million hectares, and baiting and monitoring equipment deployed on a further 300,000ha.
“Around $2.1m remains from the original federal allocation, plus we are negotiating with the federal government on Queensland’s share of the new $25.8m. We are inviting organisations, landholders and local governments in drought-declared areas to work together to submit a regionally agreed application.”
Mr Byrne said the funding was separate and in addition to the $5m for wild dog and cat eradication that was an election commitment and was recently confirmed by the Premier.
“We are still consulting with stakeholders about the most effective way to use that money.
Mr Joyce said that many farmers had specifically requested that this money go towards wild dog fencing projects.
“Fencing provides long-lasting production benefits, plus the construction will bring much-needed investment and employment to local towns,” Mr Joyce said.
“Any fencing, however, must enclose an area that can then be effectively rid of dogs. Further priority should be given to those proposals that both benefit the largest number of producers and provide the greatest value for the government’s investment.”
