Some 20 cluster groups already registered with the Remote Area Planning and Development Board will be amongst those scrambling to put in expressions of interest in the wake of last week’s announcement of a $10m package to support improved pest animal and weed management in drought-affected parts of the state.
RAPAD’s pest management group was preparing to meet on Wednesday morning to thrash out details but its chairman, Rob Chandler said EIOs would go in along the lines of the agreed Central West Strategic Fence Plan, which prioritises clusters.
“They have been marking time, looking for this money,” he said. “I would think they would be asking for a fair chunk of it, given that we are in one of the priority areas.”
The majority of the funding will be allocated to projects in areas identified as long-term, drought-affected parts of Queensland. The highest priority funding areas are the shires of Paroo, Murweh, Quilpie, Barcaldine, Longreach, Blackall-Tambo, Barcoo, Winton and Flinders.
Other sheep growing areas, including but not limited to Maranoa, Balonne, Southern Downs, Western Downs, Goondiwindi and Bulloo, are listed as priority two funding areas.
Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is administering the federal funding, together with its $5m Feral Pest Initiative for baiting and trapping initiatives for wild dog and feral cat control.
“If you are an individual, or a group of individuals, you are encouraged to contact your local government or regional natural resource management group to put forward your ideas,” a departmental spokeswoman said.
“If you are an organisation, you are requested to join together and develop a project for an area in consultation with affected stakeholders including local agricultural, industry, Landcare and wild dog committees.”
No maximum amount has been set by the department but an oversight group, with representation from the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, AgForce, Queensland Farmers Federation, Queensland Conservation Council, Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland, and the departments of Agriculture and Fisheries, Environment and Heritage Protection, National Parks, Sport and Recreation and Natural Resources and Mines, will be assessing EOIs after the October 6 closing date.
Cr Chandler expected last week’s announcement to be the first tranche in ongoing economic stimulating activities for drought-affected areas. He called on other interest groups to add money to the pot.
