State commits $26m to bolster biosecurity

Responding to priority plant and animal diseases, bolstering the state’s regional borders, and addressing the threat of feral animals are central to a $26 million state government budget cash splash, announced today.

As part of the spend, $16.4 million will fund biosecurity responses to priority plant and animal pests and diseases over the next three years, such as the Polphagous shot-hole borer impacting Perth’s tree canopy.

Traffic flow at the Eucla and Kununurra borders will be improved, with power generation and CCTV systems also to be installed at the crossing thanks to a $6.8 million spend.

And some $3 million will be used to manage the impact of feral deer and pigs on the environment and farming communities over the next three years.

The injection will support on the ground activities, as well as research and development to reduce the impacts of the bests on WA’s agriculture and cultural assets.

Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said global biosecurity threats had dramatically increased in recent years.

“WA (is) responding to an unprecedented number of pest detections, including Queensland fruit fly and Polyphagous shot-hole borer in the Perth metropolitan area, as well as red dwarf honey bee in the Pilbara,” she said.

“It is essential DPIRD is resourced to continue its efforts to eradicate these destructive pests, as well as respond to future pest and disease threats.

“This funding will also support initiatives to prevent feral deer from becoming established in WA and feral pigs from spreading further and impacting agriculture and the environment.”