Invasive weeds are estimated to cost Australian farmers billions annually in weed control activities and lost agricultural production.
To reduce the significant cost to Tasmanian farmers, the Hodgman majority Liberal Government has stepped up the fight against agricultural and environmental weeds establishing the $5 million Weeds Action Fund (WAF) which is Chaired by Ian Sauer, a leading landcare and weed advocate to work with councils, farmers, land managers and the community.
Today we announced $140,000 in grants for the 34 successful projects from Stage 1 of the WAF.
These projects, from every corner of the state, target serious agricultural and environmental weeds such as Paterson’s curse, horehound, gorse, Spanish heath, Besom heath, African boxthorn, orange hawkweed, Parramatta grass, serrated tussock and Chilean needle grass.
Several projects target weed threats to wetlands and off-shore islands, such as Maatsuyker Island and islands in the Furneaux group.
Reflecting the shared responsibility of weed management, these projects use co-investment to deliver practical on-ground outcomes.
Stage 2 of the Weeds Action Fund is currently being developed. For information on the Weeds Action Fund to go https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/invasive-species/weeds/weeds-action-fund-small-grants.
The establishment of the Weeds Action Fund is yet another positive step towards achieving the Government’s aim to increase the annual value of the agricultural sector to $10 billion by 2050.
More Media Releases from Guy Barnett
More Media Releases from the Minister for Primary Industries and Water