$6m going to cluster fencing
THE Queensland Government has provided an additional $7 million to local councils and natural resource management groups to manage invasive plants and animals and grow jobs in the sheep industry.
Agricultural Industry Development Minister Mark Furner said more than $6 million of funding from Round 3 of the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative had been allocated to help regional communities construct cluster fencing.
“Queensland’s sheep industry has been heavily impacted by the threat of wild dogs,” Mr Furner said.
“This funding targets drought-affected sheep and wool-producing areas with projects managed by the Western Downs Regional, Maranoa Regional, Goondiwindi Regional and Southern Downs Regional councils, the Remote Area Planning and Development Board and Southern Queensland Natural Resource Management Group.
“Ultimately the goal is to bring large numbers of sheep back to these areas, and that means more jobs in a stronger Queensland economy.
“I’ve been in these communities and spoken to graziers who have benefited from our investment in wild dog fencing. It means they have the confidence to invest in their flocks, and that means support for jobs.
“This is about delivering on a 2017 election commitment and will provide another 2000km of fencing.
“It means Queensland will have nearly 9000km of cluster fencing.”