Millions of dollars in cluster fencing grants support recovery in the regions

The Palaszczuk Government is providing another $5 million dollars in Cluster Fencing grants to drought-declared local government areas to help protect livestock against feral pests, while supporting job creation in the regional Queensland as part of the state's plan for economic recovery.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the funds were available through Round 5 of the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative which was an important component of Queensland's plan for economic recovery.

“These new grants are available for cluster fencing projects that complement existing activities and support the shared responsibility approach,” the Premier said.

“Construction will support councils and landholders in creating regional jobs.

“Under previous rounds, thousands of kilometres of protective fencing have been built around hundreds of sheep properties encompassing millions of hectares, which in turn has seen an almost doubling in lambing rates, and significant job creation.

"When I was in western Queensland earlier this year, I saw the benefits of this very important program."

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said landholders wanting to discuss inclusion in Round 5 projects should contact their local government, industry group or regional NRM group.

“The success of our agriculture sector is a vital part of Queensland’s $8 billion plan for economic recovery from COVID-19, and funding like this will help them build on that success,” Mr Furner said.

The closing date for applications is 5PM Wednesday 11 November, to be submitted to qldferalpestinit@daf.qld.gov.au

Further information about the latest round of Queensland Feral Pest Initiative grants, call the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23 or visit www.daf.qld.gov.au

Mr Furner said this offering followed Round 4 of the program which saw $1 million from the Federal Government to support invasive plant and animal control programs.

Successful applicants included: 

Invasive animal control 

• Bulloo Shire Council
• Fitzroy Basin Association
• Gladstone Regional Council
• Whitsunday Regional Council

Invasive plant control

• Southern Queensland NRM - SQ Landscapes
• Goondiwindi Regional Council
• Wide Bay Burnett Regional Organisation of Councils

Media contact: Ron Goodman – 0427 781 920