June 1, 2012
AgForce has welcomed the announcement by the State Government of the appointment of 15 new pest and weed officers in Queensland, saying it is a positive first step.
“Prior to the election we asked for six key commitments from the government, one of which was to provide more funding to the battle against the many forms of pests that affect the rural industry,” AgForce General President Brent Finlay said today.
“While many more officers and resources are still needed the announcement of these 15 new officers is a positive first step.”
The new positions include five wild dog destruction officers, three tick officers, three crop protection officers and two pest and weed officers as well as horticultural and fisheries staff.
AgForce said that each year in Queensland weeds cost $600 million, wild dogs $33 million and feral pigs $12 million while mouse plagues cost between $10 and $20 million.
“These financial losses are a huge impost on an industry that is already faced with ever increasing costs of production.”
