The cost of feral animals to the Queensland agriculture industry is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars each and every year.
From banana growers in the north to sheep producers in the far west, Queensland primary producers are all battling various pest animals which threaten the viability of their operations if not controlled.
I’m pleased to announce that AgForce is now partnering with the Queensland Farmers Federation and the Australian and Queensland governments to provide a new service to help landholders get ahead of the game and access the most up-to-date tools to manage pest animals.
Over the next 12 months, we will be rolling out 50 one-day, no cost workshops to train landholders in chemical handling safety and the latest pest management techniques, including the use of new baits like PAPP baits and tools such as Canid Pest Ejectors with 1080 capsules.
These tools are already available interstate and industry is working closely with the State Government to ensure these tools are available to Queensland primary producers. The workshops are targeted at producers in a range of sectors such as beef, sheep, grain, cane, horticulture, poultry and pigs, and will be held right throughout Queensland.
Eligible producers will qualify for a chemical accreditation card for nationally recognised units of training as well as a certificate of participation for the pest animal management training.
In addition, the training offered through this project will provide the community and government the confidence to support and appreciate the role landholders play in producing food and enhancing the environment.
A pilot held in Durong last month proved very popular and ensured the AgForce Projects team received valuable feedback to refine the workshops, which kick off next month in Stanthorpe (October 11), Warwick (October 12) and Toowoomba (October 13).
The workshops are being delivered with the support of Australian Government Agriculture White Paper funding administered through the Queensland Government.
To register your interest in the workshops, go to the AgForce Projects website – www.agforceprojects.org.au and keep your eyes open for workshops being delivered in your area.
