A new survey revealing the rising cost of controlling pests and weeds is concerning as drying conditions worsen, NSW Farmers says.
According to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), 85 per cent of land managers spent on average of $21,950 on pest and weed species management last year, an increase of more than $6000*. Problems caused by feral animals such as foxes, mice, pigs and deer had increased, while there was also a small but meaningful increase in reports of weed related problems on properties since 2019.
Craig Mitchell from the NSW Farmers Conservation and Resource Management committee said the burden of dealing with pest weeds and animals could be reduced if all landowners and managers did the right thing.
“We’re looking at another shocking summer ahead with hot, dry conditions already here and a huge amount of weeds drying out on the ground, while feral animals compete with livestock and native animals for food and water,” Mr Mitchell said.
“The frustrating thing for farmers is that we see public lands locked up and mismanaged, or we see absentee landowners fail to control pests and weeds, and it provides these breeding grounds that makes the problem worse every year.
“This puts increasing pressures on the production of food and fibre while our losses to invasive species are increasing, and that’s ultimately going to have impacts far beyond the farm gate.”
This week NSW Premier Chris Minns tasked the Natural Resources Commission to independently review the risks and impacts of pests and weeds in NSW and the effectiveness of current management strategies, prompting a call for landholders to have their say on how pests and weeds can be better managed in NSW.
Mr Mitchell welcomed the review and said it was an important opportunity for farmers to highlight their concerns and challenges.
“This is a vital time to develop comprehensive and effective nil-tenure plans that address not only immediate threats but prevent further losses and waste to invasive species,” Mr Mitchell said.
“The old method of locking up land and not managing it has been an increasing threat to agricultural production, and we strongly believe obligations to control pests and weeds must be better set out and have government investment and commitment.
“Ultimately everyone has a role to play in making sure we control invasive animals and weeds, and hopefully this review will lead to better outcomes in the future.”
