Grants to local government support modern approach to pest management

Local governments across Queensland will receive grants totalling almost $370,000 to support the move away from state government-supplied 1080 concentrate for management of feral pests.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said all 46 local governments which had applied for funding under Round 6 of the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative (QFPI) had been successful.

“Since the 1970s, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has provided 1080 concentrate to local councils or landholders to control wild dogs, feral pigs, foxes, feral cats and rabbits, but that stockpile is now depleted,” Mr Furner said.

“There are now many commercial providers of 1080 and other products, and manufacturers have sufficient supply for our current needs.

“Through QFPI, the Queensland Government has now committed more than $25 million over five years to support the construction of cluster fencing and the control of invasive plants and animals.

“This funding is complemented by a $14 million investment from the Federal Government.

“As with previous rounds, these grants help reduce the impact of feral pests and support more jobs in the regions as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.”

ENDS

Media contact:           Ron Goodman            0427 781 920