The federal government has announced a significant funding injection of $2.5 million to combat invasive weeds and pests across the Townsville and Burdekin catchments. This substantial investment is aimed at protecting the region's vital agricultural land and the environmental health of the Great Barrier Reef.
Targeted Investment for Regional Biosecurity
The funding, delivered through the Federal Government's $100 million Busting Congestion for Agricultural Exporters program, will be managed locally by the Townsville City Council and the Burdekin Shire Council. The councils will work directly with landholders to implement on-ground control measures. This initiative is a direct response to the ongoing threat posed by invasive species, which can devastate crops, degrade pasture quality, and choke natural waterways.
Federal Member for Herbert, Phillip Thompson, emphasised the importance of this localised approach. He stated that the funding would empower landholders to take decisive action against specific threats in their area, fostering a more resilient agricultural sector. The program is designed to reduce the biosecurity burden and improve market access for local producers by actively managing pest populations.
Focus on High-Risk Pests and Environmental Protection
The control efforts will target a range of high-priority invasive species. Key weeds of concern include Parthenium, Siam weed, and prickly acacia, all known for their aggressive growth and ability to outcompete native vegetation. In terms of animal pests, the program will focus on managing feral pigs and wild dogs, which cause extensive damage to livestock and crops.
Beyond agriculture, a core objective of the funding is to safeguard the Great Barrier Reef. By controlling weeds and eradicating pests in catchment areas, the program aims to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff into reef waterways. This improved land management contributes directly to the long-term health and preservation of the World Heritage-listed marine ecosystem.
A Collaborative Approach to Land Management
This $2.5 million commitment represents a proactive, collaborative model for regional environmental management. It recognises the critical role that private landholders play in large-scale biosecurity and conservation outcomes. By providing direct financial support, the program alleviates the cost burden on farmers and graziers, enabling them to undertake control works that benefit both their enterprise and the broader environment.
The successful implementation of this funding is expected to yield multiple benefits for the Townsville and Burdekin regions. These include enhanced agricultural productivity, improved biodiversity, and stronger protection for the reef catchment. It underscores a continued investment in North Queensland's primary industries and natural assets, ensuring they remain viable and healthy for future generations.
