Gippsland › Latest news › Liberal Nationals
Senate inquiry into spread of imported Red fire ants due to concerns on Albanese Labor government handling of eradication funding
Senate inquiry that will assess the costs and impacts of the red imported fire ants, the effectiveness of eradication efforts, and funding allocation.
Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has welcomed a Senate Inquiry into the spread of red imported fire ants. Mr Littleproud said the inquiry was urgently needed, with Labor losing control of its National Fire Ant Eradication Program and failing to commit to the funding required.
The red imported fire ants is a destructive pest, causing billions in damage, harming wildlife, and disrupting crop harvesting with its mounds, machinery damage, and pasture threats
Fire ant inquiry scope
The Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for Inquiry will investigate the costs and impacts, if red imported fire ants are able to spread across Australia, as well as an assessment of the current and proposed fire ant response plans. It will also investigate the effectiveness of eradication efforts and undertake an evaluation of funding provided for current and proposed red imported fire ant response plans.
"This inquiry couldn't come soon enough, with red imported fire ants now on the Gold Coast and just five kilometres from the border. The Invasive Species Council is warning red imported fire ants could now spread beyond current containment zones into western Queensland and New South Wales. This would have devastating consequences," Mr Littleproud said.
Funding for pest control
A Response Plan says there needs to be $592 million spent over the next four years to control the pest and immediately implement funding for 2023-24. Mr Littleproud added the lack of action was undermining previous work that had been done under the Coalition government. "The Federal Labor government should be contributing their share of funding that is required under the $133 million Response Plan immediately."
"We now know in the Response Plan, a funding option was reduced to just $84 million, as some jurisdictions, including the Albanese Labor government, hadn't got their internal funding sorted. This isn't good enough and we need to investigate the consequences," he said.
Pictures from Wikipedia website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Community feedback wanted for the Wellington Shire Draft Budget 2024/25 by 29 May 2024
Appreciation to Bairnsdale volunteers for their support during Gippsland Rotary Centenary House fundraiser extended by Darren Chester
Baw Baw residents will get new purple-lidded glass bins collected separately every four weeks to better recycling process from October 2024
Exhibition by artist Matthew Bagley is captivating journey into ocean conservation at Berninneit Art Gallery
Outward Bound Australia praised by Darren Chester for their effort to revitalise Gippsland outdoor education
Penny Glover from Guthridge Primary School presented with John Printz OAM Award in front of a huge crowd at Sale Memorial Hall
Upgrades to Kalimna Hill trail in Lakes Entrance prioritises safety and accessibility for walker
Baw Baw Shire Council funds 28 community groups total of $105,303 from Community Grants Program
Free Masterclass sessions to promote safe and sustainable community events in Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale over May 2024