Member for Warren-Blackwood, Terry Redman has congratulated his Federal Nationals colleagues for leading the Commonwealth Government’s $444,000 commitment to combat feral pigs and weeds in WA, under the Managing Established Pest Animals and Weeds initiative.
Mr Redman said the funding, administered as part of the national Agricultural Competitiveness Whitepaper, would fund coordinated efforts to manage feral pigs, including the creation of a State-wide community-led ‘Feral Pig Alliance’.
“Feral pigs have a considerable impact on the profitability of farm businesses and cause significant damage to the environment by trampling or feeding on crops and livestock and by spreading unwanted diseases and parasites,” Mr Redman said.
“This funding is an important part of pest management efforts already underway at State level thanks to a number of Royalties for Regions-funded initiatives introduced during the previous term of Government.”
Mr Redman said the commitment would also facilitate knowledge-sharing and skill development for land managers to implement the best techniques for the management of high priority Weeds of National Significance (WoNS).
“I welcome the Federal Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce and Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash’s initiative in leading efforts to curb the significant ongoing challenges posed WA’s WoNS,” Mr Redman said.
“This commitment is a great outcome for WA’s agricultural sector and will afford groups access to innovative tools, knowledge and techniques to accelerate the eradication of target species.”
The Nationals’ spokesperson for agriculture and food Hon Colin de Grussa MLC said it was incumbent on the McGowan Government to build on the Commonwealth Government’s commitment to biosecurity.
“The Labor Government has already made it clear that agriculture is not one of its priorities by slashing funding to Royalties for Regions-funded programs such as the Grower Group R&D Grants,” Mr de Grussa said.
“Given the importance of biosecurity, the State Minister for Agriculture and Food has a responsibility to the sector to continue delivering a number of vital State-based programs such as the $20 million Boosting Western Biosecurity Defences initiative.”
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