$20 million for pest control and biosecurity support in Western Queensland

Western Queensland graziers and farmers now have access to a $20 million war chest for their upcoming battle against invasive pests and weeds that have followed the devastating floods that impacted the region earlier this year.

The commitment to strong biosecurity and pest control measures is part of a broader $45.75 million primary industry recovery package jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). 

The aftermath of heavy rainfall and flooding in western Queensland resulted in conditions ideal for the spread of pests and invasive species, including locust infestations. 

These threats not only disrupt primary industries but also impact the broader community, food security, and agricultural exports. 

This program reinforces Queensland’s commitment to prioritising rural resilience, recovery, and economic sustainability. 

The initiative will fund critical pest and biosecurity programs, including repairs to the iconic Wild Dog Barrier Fence and efforts to manage threats such as wild dogs, feral pigs, and locusts. 

With up to $1 million specifically directed towards locust control in disaster activated areas, this support is set to alleviate some of the most pressing challenges faced by graziers as they strive to recover from the floods. 

The investment from the DRFA aims to safeguard long-term agricultural productivity, ensuring Queensland’s vital farming sector can return to full output as quickly as possible.

Key areas benefiting from the funding include Balonne, Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Boulia, Bulloo, Diamantina, Longreach, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie, and Winton. 

The Queensland Government is actively monitoring pest activity beyond these disaster-activated regions and will collaborate further to explore additional support as required.

For more details on disaster recovery programs or assistance available for the agricultural sector, visit Alerts for agriculture industries.

This vital support will help strengthen Queensland's agricultural sector, a key contributor to the state’s goal of achieving $30 billion in primary industries production output by 2030.