Thirty-six projects, valued at more than $24.5 million to combat the impact of feral animals and weeds on agricultural and public land have been announced by the Federal Coalition Government.

Member for New England and Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce said pest animals and weeds threaten our primary productivity, environment, and biodiversity.

“These projects will have a positive impact for the people of New England,” Mr Joyce said.

“Pests and weeds not only impact our farmland but have serious environmental impacts and threaten our native species. The more we can do to remove these harmful intruders from our natural resources, the better off we will be,” Mr Joyce said.

“New England will share in $625,000 for novel rat-specific toxin for the improved management of rats in intensive livestock production systems while over $1.5 million has also been committed to supress wild dogs, red foxes, feral cats and feral pigs in the electorate,” Mr Joyce said.

“New England will also share over $1.187 million for the control of feral deer and pigs to low densities and over $747,000 to fast-track and optimise the release of weed biocontrol agents through increasing the area, extent, number and types of agents released.”

Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud said pest animals cost our farmers and land managers $800 million a year, and weeds over $4 billion a year, in lost production and control activities.

“It is a fantastic outcome that our commitment will leverage an additional $45 million of cash and in-kind support, matched by state and territory governments to deliver real benefits on the ground,” Mr Littleproud said.

Minister fort the Environment, Susan Ley said the projects will also protect Australia’s native wildlife and biodiversity from the threats posed by invasive species.

“Feral animals and invasive weeds pose an enormous threat to our environment, claiming the lives of millions of native species each year and impacting local ecosystems.

“These projects work with communities, land managers and Traditional Owners, and Indigenous Rangers to intensify existing efforts through strong partnerships and additional funding,” Minister Ley said.