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Applications open for funding to combat feral animals and weeds

Beef Central, 19/12/2019

APPLICATIONS for $10 million dollars in pest and weed funding open today, with 183 councils eligible to apply for project funding in the latest round.

The funding will assist drought-affected farmers and land managers to fight feral animals and weeds

Minister for Drought David Littleproud said farmers had already seen a big turn-around where wild dog fences have been built.

“Lambing rates have risen from seven to 80 per cent in some places,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Farmers are already doing it tough and this will keep their stock safe from hungry predators.

“Exclusion fencing also opens up nature corridors helping endangered native animals such as small marsupials return to drought-hit areas.

“This is on top of $15 million already announced to build dog fences and control weeds.

“Feral animals and weeds cost farmers nearly $5 billion a year. $89 million is because of wild dogs and $4 billion because of weeds.

“Even though pest and weed control is a state responsibility, our government has stepped in because their impact is worse during a drought.

“This brings our investment in pest animal and weed management to more than $50 million.

“We’re continuing to invest in this program because we understand pests and weeds have a big impact on our regional communities, especially during a drought.”

Source: Minister for Drought

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  1. RONALD Mc KENNA - Tuan Brangus Stud, 20/12/2019

    We in the Cassowary Coast Regional Council Area in conjunction with Tablelands & Hinchinbrook Regional Councils have combined our efforts & resources in an effort to combat – Wild Dogs – Feral Pigs & a range of noxious weeds last but not least Sedge . Like many other imported weed challenges – Prickly Pear – Haricia Cactus & Pathinium many of the controls that we have available can not & will not totally eradicate these pests. Biological Controls have been better suited for managing the Pear – Cactus & Pathinium as opposed to weedicide poisons.The challenges confronting all of us , including governing bodies continually come back to we farmers ourselves, we must strongly unite our efforts – lobby our local council & both State & Federal Members for further support. We hear a lot of comment regarding Climate Change but what about the ability to provide food for the expanding World Population to name only one. Water Resources after all this time are back on the a gender perhaps we may get better focus if we can convince the Coastal Residing population that there are other areas of Australia that do not have many of the privileges that they enjoy. How much longer are we working class people going to support those who are perpetual Dole Takers – why don’t we get some intestinal fortitude & insist that they play a more aggressive role in seeking meaningful work. Thanks for the opportunity to comment.

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