Three leading researchers are in Western Australia this week (4 to 6 March) to meet with industry, government and community groups about a coordinated approach to control of declared pests.
The visiting research professors are leaders of the Invasive Animal Cooperative Research Centre (IACRC) program, and are assisting the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) with community engagement techniques.
The experts will travel to regional areas, including Merredin and Bunbury, so they can share with community and industry groups how united action in other states and countries has led to successful pest control.
The researchers include Professor Paul Martin, Director of the Australian Centre for Agriculture and Law at the University of New England (NSW), psychologist Professor Don Hine from the University of New England, and Ted Alter, Professor of Agricultural, Environmental and Regional Economics from Pennsylvania State University.
There are currently 47 declared pest animals and 80 declared plants in Western Australia.
This financial year DAFWA will spend $7.6 million responding to these across the State responding to vertebrate pest animals and weeds across the state through its Invasive Species program. The establishment of Recognised Biosecurity Groups (RBGs) will help this cause.
Agricultural Resource Risk Management executive director John Ruprecht said DAFWA was working closely with communities to develop a coordinated approach to pest control.
“Strong community leadership and a commitment from landholders, residents and interested groups in the control of pests is essential for the future of sustainable agriculture and the environment,” he said.
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