Farmers & Environmentalists Unite to Fight Invasive Pests

0:00In Sydney today, March 17th, farmers and environmental groups in Victoria have formed an emergency alliance to fight invasive pests ahead of the state election. The Victorian Farmers Federation, invasive species council and environment Victoria are teaming up to urge political parties to prioritize pests. Control. They say feral deer, rabbits and pigs are out of control due to funding cuts. These pests cause farmers over $5 billion a year in control efforts. They also threaten 80% of native land species, driving biodiversity loss and extinctions across Australia. Farmers report deer destroying crops, fences, orchards and pastures, posing a big risk to the agriculture industry. Environmentalists stress that society must take responsibility for the damage from these introduced species. The group believes feral deer can be fully eradicated in western Victoria with proper resources. They want full implementation of the state's deer control strategy and removal of legal protections under the Wildlife Act.

1:03Meanwhile, new threats like red imported fire ants are spreading from Queensland with one queen found in Victoria last year. The alliance calls for all governments to boost funding and work together to stop these invasions. This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, see the episode description. Relax deeper, reset faster, comfort you can hear. So L.I. solelypillow.com.