Farmers welcome focus on pest and weeds

Farmer priorities have hit the headlines again ahead of next month’s state election, with Labor committing $50 million to tackle pests and weeds across the state if elected. 

NSW Farmers called for $50 million towards pests and weeds management, including grants to local government, more resources to the Local Land Services, financial support for invasive species coordinators and support for wild dog fencing in the west of the state, as part of the Association’s FOCUS campaign. 

NSW Farmers President, James Jackson, said it was clear the major parties were anxious to act on farmers’ concerns. 

“Labor’s commitment to a war on weeds and pests, if elected, is a welcome investment of new money to help sustain the agricultural sector and our environment,” Mr Jackson said.

“Pests and weeds cost the New South Wales economy nearly $2 billion every year.  This sort of State Government funding would give public and private land managers a better chance of tackling invasive plants and animals and reducing their impact on the environment.”

“We know that unsustainable numbers of pest animals have further exacerbated the effects of drought conditions for many landholders struggling to keep their own stock fed and watered. But as the drought breaks, the new challenge will be dealing with an influx of weeds.”

Mr Jackson said he expects more positive announcements for agriculture to be made as the election draws nearer.

“Election 2019 is well underway – with just under five weeks to go, we hope that even more of our priorities are given the FOCUS they deserve by the political parties.”

Date: Tuesday 19 February 2019
Media Contact:   Michael Burt  | 0428 228 988