$200,000 for Biosecurity Strategy
Thanks to the hard work of our Sustainability Officer Ann Bentley, the Shire has been successful in obtaining federal funding of $200,000 from the Communities Combatting Pests and Weed Impact during Drought Program.
"Congratulations to Ann on her successful grant application, the Shire was eligible for this federal funding as a drought affected (1-in-20 year rainfall deficiency) local council where agriculture is a primary driver for the economy" said Paul Omodei; Shire President.
He explained that "the project will target vertebrate pests and invasive environmental weeds that are having a high impact on drought affected areas within the Shire. The impacts can be associated with agricultural land and adjacent environmental reserves".
Community surveys show foxes, pigs, cats and rabbits are becoming more difficult to manage as the populations are increasing and farmers have less resources. Weed mapping and industry feedback is showing that many environmental weeds are having economic impacts for landholders in our Shire, for example Blackberry, Montpellier Broom, exotic wattles etc. Our Shire is unique as it has diverse landscapes, complex problems and each locality has prioritised their pest and weed management based on the economic impact. Monitoring and data collection will allow us to track the progress made on managing the project pest and weed targets.
To generate sustainable strategic pest management in the Shire of Manjimup we need to support the community in their activities. Fostering biosecurity initiatives in the community will stimulate much needed land care enterprises, encouraging them to remain viable and grow in our Southern Forests agricultural region. The aim of this project is to build long term collaborative networks in the land care industry, link the community with research and development champions who will deliver on ground pest control, increased community capability and accredited training. Photo trapping and photo monitoring will be increased over this project using more effective cameras. Data collection will also allow us to track the progress made on managing the project pest and weed targets and will be a valuable resource for ongoing management. By implementing National Biosecurity objectives in our Shire our Southern Forests agricultural sector will receive long term economic benefits.
Cr Omodei added "protecting our agricultural industry from Biosecurity impacts is important for our economy, we are starting to see anecdotal evidence for example, of foxes digging up and eating truffles. Agriculture is the biggest industry sector in the Shire accounting for more than $120 million of production value and utilising more than 78,500 hectares of land. Agricultural harvests include potatoes, apples, fruit and vegetable crops, dairy and livestock, avocados, marron aquaculture, truffles and strawberries. In recent years the volume harvested by the timber industry has decreased which has had a big impact on employment in the Shire".
Applications were assessed in accordance with the Department of Social Services Community Grants Hub Policies in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and a Selection Advisory Panel that included experts in pest and weed management.
-ENDS-
Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer
Contact Sheri Laba, Public Relations Officer
Contact for comment: Paul Omodei, Shire President
Contact: 0448 810 773
