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General News

29 May, 2024

Why the state government must tackle weed problem in North West

Graziers and landowners are becoming victims of the government's negligence, Robbie Katter says.

By North West Weekly

Member for Traeger Robbie Katter stands in the paddock with John Brownson to discuss the spread of Siam weed in properties around Charters Towers.
Member for Traeger Robbie Katter stands in the paddock with John Brownson to discuss the spread of Siam weed in properties around Charters Towers.

North West Queensland private landholders are under siege from invasive weeds and need more government support, says Traeger MP Robbie Katter.

“Invasive weeds are running rampant on state-owned lands, and as a result have encroached onto private land,” he said.

“Rail, road, and power corridors, national parks and defence field training areas are the greatest biosecurity threats.

“The Queensland government talks the talk about biosecurity and land management – it’s time that they walk the walk.”

Mr Katter said understaffing and insufficient funding was at the heart of Queensland’s noxious weed problem.

“Producers are left to foot the bill to combat the spread of these harmful plants with costs running into millions of dollars each year,” he said.

“A grazier reported to me that he lost a whole hay paddock to Siam weed, which he estimated to be a loss of up to $1 million.”

Grazier Kylie Stretton said her family, along with many other property owners, felt like they were fighting a losing battle.

“Graziers and farmers are judged by society and government on our ability to care for the land, however, often there are no harsher critics than ourselves,” Ms Stretton said.

“We invest a significant amount of money, time, and effort on a yearly basis to try and keep noxious weeds at bay with no government assistance or even acknowledgement for the work we do.”

Mr Katter said: “Our farmers and graziers are fighting a battle that belongs to the Queensland government. I demand the government live up to the environmental standards they impose on everyone else, and properly fund an emergency response to fight this war on weeds.”

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