The NSW Nationals in the state government will invest more than $1 billion as part of the 2020-21 NSW Budget to ensure the green shoots of recovery are protected and supported as the agricultural sector begins its long road to recovery from drought, floods and bushfires.
NSW Nationals Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said at the centre of the Budget for the industry this year was a record $36.1 million spend in biosecurity.
“While the improved conditions had come as a welcomed relief for the state’s farmers, the wet and warm weather also proved to be a breeding ground for invasive weeds and damaging pests,” Mr Marshall said.
“Our growers and farmers are doing their best to rebuild but all their good work is at risk as fields can be decimated by insects or feral pigs.
“In response, the experts from the Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services have made biosecurity their immediate priority, tasked with tackling the explosion in weed and pest activity – a direct threat to the sector’s recovery.
“Thanks to the $60 million budget boost over two years, farmers should expect to see a weed and pest blitz over the coming months with the rapid roll-out of aerial baiting of feral animals, additional trappers and targeted noxious weed control programs.”
Mr Marshall said the Budget would also see more than $50 million to be invested in a variety of research and development initiatives as part of the World Class Food and Fibre program.
“Primary producers can always be confident we will support them to keep their global competitive edge,” Mr Marshall said.
“This government has always been there for the people of our regional and rural towns. This Budget delivers a well-balanced combination of recovery-focused initiatives, with a clear view to the future.”
More than $28 million has been allocated to deliver the Marine Estate Management Strategy that protects and enhances our waterways, coastline and estuaries.
“The Marine Estate Management Strategy will continue to ensure sustainable fishing and aquaculture across our natural waterways while protecting our Marine Estate habitats and the protected species that thrive in them,” Mr Marshall said.
For more information about the NSW Government’s 2020-21 Budget, please go to budget.nsw.gov.au.