A federal grant for Tenterfield Shire Council of $776,300 for weed control measures will not only combat weeds but provide employment for six workers as the drought impacts agricultural employment.
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The funding is being provided under the Communities Combating Pests and Weed Impacts During Drought Program, which aims to reduce the impact of priority weeds in the area such as serrated tussock and blackberry.
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Council's chief corporate officer Kylie Smith said the project is in two parts. One is the control of blackberries on public road reserves to ensure that council can monitor for other emerging weeds following the drought, and not spread blackberries to surrounding land.
The other is a partnership project in the Deepwater/Bolivia area, requiring liaison with both private and public landholders in the area to try and eradicate or at least contain Serrated Tussock.
"Our local councils play an important role in pest management and weed control around the New England Electorate," MP Barnaby Joyce said.
"Their contribution not only helps improve our natural resource outcomes, their involvement in such activities help provide employment opportunities and drive wealth back into the economies of drought communities".
Mayor Peter Petty expressed his thanks to the local member for the success of the grant funding.
"Tenterfield Shire is fair dinkum in combating the issues of these problem weeds", Cr Petty said.
"This funding will allow for the employment of six additional staff and purchase of associated plant, including drone technology.
"In this time of drought it is important that we get on top of the weed problem, but equally important to provide employment opportunities for members of our agricultural community who are doing it tough.
"I see this as a win, win situation."
Weeds on both public and private land have often been a topic of discussion at council meetings, with Cr Bronwyn Petrie particularly concerned with the uncontrolled proliferation of blackberries in the railway corridor.
John Holland Pty Ltd maintains the corridor from the Queensland border through to Armidale.
If Cr John Macnish had his way, African Lovegrass would also make the noxious weeds list, which would put many shire landholders on notice. Cr Macnish insists that lovegrass can be eradicated through judicious spraying, although Cr Tom Peters said the only way to get rid of it is to sell the property.
