Weed and pest management ‘levels up’ with extra funding

Western Downs Regional Council has welcomed an additional $159,800 funding grant from the Australian Government, which will provide the opportunity to continue to attack pests on the Western Downs.

The grant, titled “Communities Combating Pests and Weed Impacts During Drought Program – Biosecurity Management of Pests and Weeds” will be used to enhance Council’s current program.

The aim of Council’s program is to deliver coordinated impact-based programs including the eradication of parthenium and giant rat’s tail (GRT), wild dog and feral pig control in targeted areas.

Council spokesperson for planning and environment, Councillor Andrew Smith said that the additional funding will also allow Council and the community to focus more on emerging GRT concerns.

“This funding is a real boost to our pest management efforts, and of course, to agricultural production,” he said.

“Currently the infestations of GRT are quite localised, however they are situated at the head of two catchments and therefore have the potential to spread across a large area of land.

“Implementing coordinated control now will prevent a more significant impact occurring within the wider community.”

The highly-invasive pests will be controlled using materials sourced from local retailers.

Cr Smith said that Council’s pest management programs have already proven to be effective.

“For some time now, we have been working with motivated community groups to achieve positive outcomes through targeted pest management across the region, and we are genuinely grateful to the Australian Government for this funding boost.

“Our award-winning program uses strategic and coordinated methods of control, and effective pest management has a positive impact on our landholder’s current and future production activities.”

“The funds will help us continue to work with landholders who have a genuine interest in tackling pest problems on their land.

“So, if you’ve got a wild dog, feral pig, GRT or parthenium pest problem on your property, get together with your neighbours and talk to us.”

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Melanie Coultas          Senior Media & Communications Officer             0419 048 594