Queensland Government’s Pest Offensive is cost effective

A new $11 Million Queensland Government program to target pest animals and weeds will generate enormous savings on control programs, Natural Resources and Water Minister Kerry Shine said.

Mr Shine said applications for grants of at least $50,000 are being invited for the Government’s Reclaim the Bush – A Pest Offensive program as part of the Blueprint for the Bush initiative.

Applications for funding close on 13 November.

“The program aims to tackle pest animal and weed issues across the State over the next three years,” Mr Shine said.

“The program will encourage local governments, state agencies, regional natural resources management bodies and indigenous communities to work together on targeted projects.”

Mr Shine said a study commissioned by the Local Government Association of Queensland found for every dollar spent on weed and pest animal management can deliver up to a $6.40 benefit.

Mr Shine said funding targeted prevention of news threats as well as woody weeds, wild dogs, feral pigs and preventing the spread of weeds and pest management in indigenous communities.

“With weeds costing Queensland more than $600 million each year and pest animals costing a further $110 million each year, it is important that we take action,’’ Mr Shine said.

“The Pest Offensive is a major new investment by the Government in tackling the weed and pest animal scourge. I urge groups and communities to consider programs that could be funded by it.”

Applications for funding close on 13 November. Further information is available at www.nrm.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3896 3689 or kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au