Pest and weed management high on regional agenda
Farmers and rural landholders are calling for a crackdown on pest and weed management, with reports authorities have dropped the ball.
Pests and weeds are a major issue for many rural and regional communities, and while farmers follow strict rules around controlling pest animals and managing weeds, some public lands are overrun with invasive species. NSW Farmers Biosecurity Chair Ian McColl said it resulted in production losses, wasted time and increased costs for landholders.
“Management of weeds and pests is an increasing burden on farming operations, and it’s frustrating when they keep coming in from the same place,” Mr McColl said.
“We all have obligations to keep these pests and weeds under control, but sadly some public land managers aren’t doing their part and it’s the community who ends up paying the cost.
“The NSW Governments need to ensure ongoing pest and weed management by local authorities, improve compliance by public land managers, and address the lack of enforcement where these obligations are being ignored.”
Pests and weeds cost the NSW economy $1.8 billion each year, and Mr McColl said simply cracking down on compliance will reduce those losses and the need to control outbreaks.
“While there has been increased funding to weed research and control, and increased awareness of the need to control pest animals, there should be a focus on where achievable gains in the immediate term can ease the pressure of management,” he said.
“It’s clear that the delegation to local government of enforcement is not working, so they need to be trained and funded to do that job.
“Public land managers have an important job to do, and they need to hold up their end of the bargain when it comes to being good neighbours.”