Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, the Hon David Littleproud MP
Western Australia Minister for Regional Development, Agriculture and Food, the Hon. Alannah MacTiernan MLC
The Australian Government is providing $445,800 to Western Australia (WA) for a project to enhance the management of feral pigs and wild dogs, through a Federation Funding Agreement with states and territories as part of the $30.3 million Established Pest Animals and Weeds Management Pipeline Program.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud, said that this funding will support the development of a sophisticated camera trap network for feral pigs and wild dogs in the northern agricultural zone of WA.
"Establishing an expansive camera trap network will ensure that land managers can detect these pests and get on top of them before they cause further damage, Minister Littleproud said.
"The project will also support training for the Recognised Biosecurity Groups in the area to bolster their capacity undertake early and effective monitoring and control activities."
West Australian Minister for Agriculture and Food Alannah MacTiernan said the project would improve feral pig and wild dog monitoring in the northern agricultural zone, which is often conducted on small scales and in isolation.
"Feral pigs and wild dogs have a significant impact on livestock and cropping systems in the northern agricultural zone.
"This camera network will increase the capacity of three Recognised Biosecurity Groups in the area to work to detect and mount timely, coordinated responses to wild dogs and pigs."
Minister Littleproud acknowledged the contribution of the WA government and the Recognised Biosecurity Groups who are providing more than $500,000 of cash and in-kind support towards the project.
"These projects are a great example of how strong collaboration across governments and land managers can improve the management of established pest animals and weeds, said Minister Littleproud.
"The Australian Government's $5 million in funding, supported by cash and in-kind contributions from the states and territories, will deliver 11 projects across Australia to improve the management of established pest animals and weeds that have a detrimental effect on Australia's agricultural competitiveness and the environment."
The Australian Government's $30.3 million Established Pest Animals and Weeds Management Pipeline Program aims to deliver a lasting legacy to farmers, land managers and the wider community in the fight against established pest animals and weeds.
