14 June 2024, 12:06 AM
The Minns Labor Government is committing $945.7 million in the upcoming state budget to support regional communities and the state’s agricultural industry for the critical role of prevention and protection against biosecurity threats.
This includes an additional $13.1 million to build on the success of the Feral Pig Program, which has controlled more than 100,000 pigs since it began eight months ago.
Feral pigs cause significant damage to pastoral land and crops, and carry diseases that can impact livestock and native animals.
This new funding will ensure there is a concerted and ongoing campaign over the next year to reduce pest populations, benefit farmers and landholders, minimise biosecurity risks to livestock, and lower the risk of environmental and ecological damage.
Since October 2023, the state-wide program has:
In addition to this, the NSW Government’s biosecurity program includes significant investments in responses to major threats to the state’s agricultural industry, with:
The government is focused on responsible investments which will support the long term prosperity of NSW communities, no matter where in the state they are. Biosecurity vigilance is foundational to protecting the state’s environmental assets, agriculture and tourism industries, which is why the 2024-25 Budget will invest:
Minister for Agriculture NSW, Tara Moriarty said, “Agriculture and our farming communities are the lifeblood of our state and this $945 million investment in biosecurity over the coming four years will ensure our primary producers continue to have the support they need to thrive.
“Strong biosecurity protections are not just about keeping pest and weeds out – it is about protecting the state’s $22 billion agriculture industries and ensuring families across the state have access to the worlds best produce at the world’s best prices.
“We have been busy implementing our comprehensive biosecurity plan, from feral pig management to tackling weeds and pests on public lands and fighting the threat of red fire ants.
“Biosecurity is an ongoing challenge, but we are a government who are committed to prioritising the wellbeing of our farmers, regional communities and environments.
“The success of the feral pig program speaks for itself, but there’s still more to do, which this essential funding will enable.”