A mayor from one of Queensland's long drought-stricken shires has welcomed the pre-Christmas announcement by the federal government that $10 million is now available through round two of a pest and weed program, but has questioned its overall impact.
Applications for the 'Communities combating pest and weed impacts during drought - biosecurity management of pests and weeds program' opened nationally on Thursday and 183 local governments are eligible to apply.
As per the first round, the aim of the money is to help manage the issues arising from pest animals and weeds during drought.
The first round delivered $15 million for 48 projects in 2018-19.
Quilpie mayor Stuart Mackenzie said round one, in which his shire received $1m, had been very beneficial in that it complemented the money received under the Drought Communities Program, which his shire had chosen to put towards subsidising the cost of exclusion fencing.
It's a great program but if every shire that's eligible gets money, it's not going to go far
- Quilpie mayor Stuart Mackenzie
"It's a great program but if every shire that's eligible gets money, it's not going to go far," he said. "In our experience, $500,000 completes 20km of fencing so $50,000 would pay for 20km worth."
He stressed that the program's intent, to stimulate economic activity, facilitate local employment and increase farm business profitability were very worthy aims and had boosted his shire's fortunes.
"There's a $6500 per kilometre spend by local graziers, all materials have to be purchased locally, and anyone employed must be local," he said.
Minister for Drought David Littleproud said he had received plenty of positive reports from people such as Cr Mackenzie on the big economic turn-around where wild dog fences have been built.
"Lambing rates have risen from seven to 80 per cent in some places," Mr Littleproud said.
"Exclusion fencing also opens up nature corridors helping endangered native animals such as small marsupials return to drought-hit areas.
"Even though pest and weed control is a state responsibility, our government has stepped in because their impact is worse during a drought.
"This brings our investment in pest animal and weed management to more than $50 million.
"We're continuing to invest in this program because we understand pests and weeds have a big impact on our regional communities, especially during a drought."
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
