Albanese Labor Government delivering funding to tackle pests and weeds

The Albanese Labor Government is committed to helping manage the impact of invasive pests and weeds on Australia’s farmers and the environment with $5 million in federal funding for new projects across the country announced today. 

These 26 new projects will target pest animals including feral deer and pigs, and invasive plants such as rubber vine, African boxthorn, Alligator weed, serrated tussock, prickly acacia, Siam weed and Amazon frogbit. 

These projects are jointly funded with state and territory governments. 

The estimated annual cost to Australian agriculture from established weeds is over $4 billion and from pest animals almost $1 billion. 

Today’s funding announcement is part of the Government’s $11 million commitment in this year’s Budget to extend the Supporting Communities Manage Pest Animals and Weeds Program for one year. 

As part of this extension, more than $2.7 million in funding has also been allocated to extend the national coordination programs for feral deer, pigs, foxes and cats, supporting coordinated efforts necessary to address the impact of these invasive species. 

Since the 2022 election, the Albanese Labor Government has committed over $2 billion in additional resourcing to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity, boosting our frontline and responding to new and emerging threats. 

A full list of projects announced today is available at: www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/pest-animals-and-weeds/supporting-communities#onground-management-and-control-activities-matched-funding-opportunity-with-state-and-territory-governments  

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP: 

“Our Government will never be complacent about the threat of pests and weeds to our farmers. That’s why I’m pleased to be announcing these new projects today.  

“Coordinated action is essential to effectively manage feral animals to drive down costs they cause to our agricultural industries and environment. 

“The impact these invasive species have on the Australian landscape can be devastating, and it is only through working together that we can keep these pests in check.”