The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has welcomed newly announced funding to give Queensland councils certainty over vital feral pest control initiatives.
LGAQ CEO, Greg Hallam has thanked Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, Mark Furner for listening to council concerns about the future of feral pest control programs including wild dog control.
“The LGAQ has been working closely with Minister Furner to find a solution on behalf of our member councils and we thank him for listening and working in partnership with us to find a solution,” Mr Hallam said.
“Councils spend about $45 million a year controlling invasive plants and animals including wild dogs and feral pigs which have devastating effects on agricultural production, human health and biodiversity,” he said.
“The funding announced by Minister Furner will cover 75% of the cost of 1080 supply for baiting programs over the next three years, giving councils and their local communities certainty.
He said the founding would also ensure ratepayers did not have to foot the bulk of the costs for the programs at a time when communities were dealing with the impacts of the ongoing drought, grasshopper invasion and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Hallam said the LGAQ looked forward to continuing discussions with Minister Furner about the funding of these programs into the future.
