The Western Downs will play host to Invasive Species Queensland’s Pest Animal and Weed Symposium 2023 (PAWS 2023), bringing industry professionals to the region to share pest management solutions, advancements, and innovations.
Hosted by Western Downs Regional Council, this state-level conference will be held on 28 to 31 August at the Dalby Event Centre and will boast an extensive program of presentations, workshops, field trips, and exhibitions.
Councillor Andrew Smith, Council Spokesperson for Planning, Environment and Agribusiness said it was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the many ways the Western Downs is leading the way in innovative pest management.
“The Western Downs is home to a diverse agricultural sector and beautiful natural landscapes, so it’s important Council works to ensure pest species are controlled as effectively as possible,” Cr Smith said.
“Hosting the symposium on the Western Downs allows us the opportunity to share firsthand the successful management strategies and technologies we have in place, and the impacts they have on the region’s environment, economy, community and lifestyle.
“On the Western Downs we know that ‘it’s the people that make it’, and we are incredibly proud of the first-of-their-kind innovations in pest management that our Pest Management and Monitoring Program has implemented in the region, utilising ground-breaking technology to help break down traditional barriers to sustainable pest control and producing real, tangible results for our region and our communities.
“Council is committed to strengthening our pest animal and weed management approaches, and we look forward to welcoming industry professionals to our region to knowledge share and understand what other practises exist that can potentially support our region now and into the future.”
This year’s theme, pests, partnerships and people power, highlights the importance of industry partnerships to deliver practical solutions, ideas and innovations for pest animal and weed management across Queensland.
Invasive Species Queensland Vice President Janet Barker said the Western Downs was the perfect location to host the first event back following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our aim is to utilise the resources and land space of the Western Downs to create a symposium with a difference, focusing on practical solutions, on-ground applications and collaboration at all levels, while sharing industry advancements of the past four year,” Ms Barker said.
“The Dalby Event Centre offers ample space for outdoor and practical demonstrations, which is a fantastic opportunity to showcase effective solutions for managing pest animals and weeds which allowing for unique hands-on experiences.
“We can have a greater impact on pest animals and weeds when we collaborate to ensure effective solutions are implemented, and I look forward to bringing the passionate pest management community together to strengthen this delivery right across the state.”
