The Australian Government is investing a further $11.2 million to prepare for H5 avian influenza (bird flu).
This will ensure critical preparedness efforts continue to safeguard our most at-risk native species.
From offshore islands to Ramsar and remote wetlands - threats like weeds and invasive animals will be controlled or eradicated to reduce pressures. This will support our most at-risk native species to better withstand the impacts of a potential outbreak.
Not only this but it will deliver enduring outcomes for our native species.
This funding will ensure strategic on-ground threat management work continues. Current activities include:
- invasive species control
- weed management
- habitat improvement.
Projects will build on important work already underway. Eradicating invasive species on islands will be a focus.
Current efforts include:
- Traditional Owners on Warul Kawa (Deliverance Island) in the Torres Strait are working to eradicate black rats. Black rats compete for food and eat nesting birds - like terns and noddies - and their eggs.
- The control of kikuyu grass and working towards eventual eradication on NSW's Brush Island. This weed smothers native plant species and the burrows of little penguins.
Healthy habitats and strong populations will give native species the best chance of withstanding the impacts of H5 bird flu.
We can't stop the virus from reaching Australia, but we can prepare by tackling other threats.
The Australian Government is investing more than $113 million to strengthen Australia's preparedness for H5 bird flu. This includes more than $47 million for environmental measures.
