Government to update pest data with annual survey

The Queensland Government will obtain fresh information on the distribution of pests and weeds when the 2006-2007 Annual Pest Survey starts this week.

The Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW) conducts the survey to ensure its data on the distribution of weeds and pest animals is accurate.

Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace said during the Annual Pest Survey, the Department’s land protection officers would access private land to check for declared pest species.

Mr Wallace said the officers would have access to private land only, not houses or sheds.

“For example, land protection staff may check for bitou bush by walking along fore dunes on private land, or check for alligator weed on private property that borders on local creeks and water ways,” Mr Wallace said.

“Declared pests are plant and animal species are targeted for control as they could which could have serious economic, environmental or social impacts.

“For example, they may reduce farm and forestry productivity, contribute to land degradation or cause loss of biodiversity.”

Mr Wallace said some of the pests were widely distributed, with densities and impacts governed by climatic conditions, land use, soil and vegetation types.

As part of the Blueprint for the Bush initiative, the Queensland Government recently announced a new $11 million program to target pest animals and weeds.

Applications for grants of at least $50,000 are being invited for the Government’s Reclaim the Bush – A Pest Offensive program.

The program aims to tackle pest animal and weed issues across the State over the next three years

The annual pest survey checks for all three classes of weeds declared under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.

Public notices will appear in newspapers, advising landholders that NRW staff will conduct the survey from November 3 to November 2, 2007.

6 November 2006

Media contact: Caroline Kaurila 3896 3694.