More funds to target weeds and pests on Cape York

The Queensland Government has committed more than $280,000 to further boost efforts to tackle weeds and feral animals on Cape York.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Kerry Shine and Member for Cook Jason O’Brien said the funding would assist councils and groups improve the environmental health of the region by limiting the impact of pest animals and weeds.

The approved funding would be allocated in three parts.

“The Cape York Weeds and Feral Animal Program (CYWFAP), through Cook Shire Council, will receive $133,880 to assist with survey and control of high priority weeds in the Northern Peninsula Area,” Mr O’Brien said.

“It will also receive nearly $70,000 to assist with survey and control of Parkinsonia on Pormpuraaw homelands and Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council will receive $78,000 to assist with pest control at strategic locations in the Hope Vale area.”

In Hope Vale, the funding would help control introduced species of weeds such as sickle pod and the damaging effects of animals such as feral pigs.

In Pormpuraaw, the funding will help control the spread of Parkinsonia, a weed of national significance.

In the Northern Peninsula Area, the project will involve five Shire councils in the region working collaboratively to firstly survey the area and then undertake control measures.

The funding will help eradicate introduced species of weeds such as Gamba Grass, Lion’s Tail, Pond Apple and Lantana.

Mr Shine said the funding was a component of the Cape York Indigenous Land and Sea Initiative Grants Scheme which has assisted on-ground project work in a number of Cape York’s Indigenous communities over the past 18 months.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3896 3689 or

kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au