The NSW Government is committed to the fight against pests and weeds, and supporting work to minimise their impacts to primary industries.
Current estimates suggest the annual costs of damage by these invasive species is approximately $25 billion nationwide, with the cost to NSW agriculture $2 billion every year.
That’s why the NSW Government has engaged the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) to consult on the impacts and risks of invasive species with stakeholders and the public encouraged to have their say online.
This review will enable the government to set a baseline for the extent and impact of invasive species and measure progress in combating pests and weeds. This will inform work with farmers and the community in undertaking coordinated and cost-effective action to manage pests and weeds.
The information and data provided by this review will be critical in supporting ongoing efforts to address the impacts of pests and weeds in NSW. Members of the public are invited to submit their feedback to the Have Your Say page on the subject. Consultation will run until Tuesday 31 October 2023.
Future stages of the review will:
- Identify future risks from invasive species
- Consider how existing programs could better contribute to improved management outcomes
- Audit state and regional invasive species management plans
- Provide advice to the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner on areas of further investigation regarding potential barriers to effective management.
The review is part of a package of programs being delivered by the NSW Government relating to invasive species management.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:
“We know that there is an increasing risk to agricultural productivity by invasive pest animals and weeds.
“This government is delivering on our election commitments to take the fight to invasive pests and weeds – including undertaking this review, establishing an Independent Biosecurity Commissioner and directing $10 million towards a Good Neighbour Program to tackle pest and weeds.
“We are committed to ensuring that this government is doing everything we can to support our farmers and communities in managing infestations.”
