Federal Funding to Tackle Pests and Weeds

The Albanese Labor Government has announced five million dollars in funding to help farmers manage the impact of invasive pests and weeds across Australia. Twenty-six new projects will target pest animals such as feral deer and pigs, and weeds including African boxthorn, serrated tussock, and prickly acacia.

The projects are jointly funded with state and territory governments under an eleven million dollar extension to the Supporting Communities Manage Pest Animals and Weeds Program. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the Government is committed to protecting farmers from the costly impact of pests and weeds.

“Our Government will never be complacent about the threat of pests and weeds to our farmers,” Ms Collins said.

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

Weeds are estimated to cost Australian agriculture more than four billion dollars each year, with pest animals adding almost one billion more.

Since the 2022 election, the Albanese Government has invested over two billion dollars in strengthening Australia’s biosecurity and frontline responses to new threats.