Joint media release: $20 million investment in pest control and biosecurity in flood aftermath

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Minister for Emergency Management, The Hon Kristy Mcbain MP
Queensland Minister for Primary Industries, the Hon Tony Perrett MP

• $20 million jointly funded commitment by the Australian and Queensland Governments has been approved to help with biosecurity and pest control in aftermath of record-breaking western Queensland flood.

• Funding will help tackle scourge of locusts affecting graziers.

• Part of the Australian and Queensland Government’s commitment to recovery and resilience in aftermath of disasters.

The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have approved a $20 million investment to support graziers in their pest control efforts in the aftermath of the devastating western Queensland flood.

This critical funding is being provided under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) through the Primary Industry Support Package, reflecting both levels of government’s ongoing commitment to agricultural recovery, rural resilience and strong biosecurity following disasters.

The $20 million investment is part of a $45.75 million package announced last month to support the region’s recovery and comes during National Biosecurity Week, highlighting the important role of biosecurity in protecting farmers and graziers and their livelihoods.

The funds will be used to help repair the iconic Wild Dog Barrier Fence, and assist in managing threats from wild dogs and feral pigs, with up to $1 million of the investment specifically directed towards locust control in the activated disaster areas.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said supporting graziers with these measures was critical to protect long-term livelihoods and strengthen agricultural resilience.

“By working together, we can deliver practical support that helps producers manage threats from predators across the region so they can get their crops and stock back to their best as quickly as possible,” Minister McBain said.

“This funding won’t just to assist with pest control needs, it will also help safeguard the long-term productivity and sustainability of Queensland’s vital agricultural industries.

“Strong partnerships between local communities and the Queensland Government ensures that our efforts are targeted, efficient and I’m looking forward to see this funding roll out shortly to make a real difference on the ground for farmers and graziers.”

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins said managing the spread of pests was critical to reducing the impacts on farmers, regional communities and Australia’s biosecurity.

“Heavy rainfall and flooding events cause significant disruption to our farmers and producers, but also increase the risks of locust habitats migrating, which can significantly impact our food production and biosecurity,” Minister Collins said.

“That is why we are working closely with the Queensland Government to make this support available to our farmers – maximising pest control to drive down negative impacts on our agricultural productivity, food security and agricultural exports, and our biosecurity.

“Our Government has invested over $2 billion in additional funding to boost our biosecurity preparedness and response capabilities nationally, and we will always support our farmers.”

Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the initiative would provide targeted support to reduce threats posed by invasive species, with locusts in particular causing significant strain and economic stress for producers.

“The Western Queensland flood event put enormous strain on our farming communities, leaving them vulnerable to pest and predator threats,” Minister Perrett said.

“That’s why the Australian and Queensland Governments are stepping up with funds to repair the Wild Dog Barrier Fence and back our graziers with tangible pest and predator control measures that have occurred as a result of the floods.

“This funding will help control wild dogs, feral pigs and locusts across the disaster-affected regions, ensuring our graziers can return to full production sooner and continue to help grow our state’s economy to $30 billion in primary industries production output by 2030.”

The Department of Primary Industries is closely monitoring the movement of locusts beyond the disaster-activated regions and is actively engaging with stakeholders and all levels of government to explore additional support and funding opportunities where needed.

For more details on disaster recovery support programs in Queensland, visit Alerts for agriculture industries | Business Queensland.

The disaster-activated local government areas are:

• Balonne

• Barcaldine

• Barcoo

• Blackall-Tambo

• Boulia

• Bulloo

• Diamantina

• Longreach

• Murweh

• Paroo

• Quilpie

• Winton