The Local Government Association of Queensland welcomes new funding to give Queensland councils certainty over vital feral pest control initiatives needed to keep communities safe and the agricultural industry firing.
LGAQ CEO Greg Hallam today thanked Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner for listening to council concerns about the future of feral pest control programs including wild dog control.
“The LGAQ has been working closely with Minister Furner to find a solution on behalf of our member councils and we thank him for listening and working in partnership with us to find a solution,” Mr Hallam said.
“Councils spend about $45 million a year controlling invasive plants and animals including wild dogs and feral pigs which have devastating effects on agricultural production, human health and biodiversity.
“The funding announced by Minister Furner today will cover 75 per cent of the cost of 1080 supply for baiting programs over the next three years, giving councils and their local communities certainty.
“It will also ensure ratepayers do not have to wear the bulk of the costs for these programs at a time when communities are dealing with the impacts of the ongoing drought, grasshopper invasion and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”
Mr Hallam said the LGAQ looked forward to continuing discussions with Minister Furner about the funding of these programs into the future.
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Vogler, Media Executive
Local Government Association of Queensland