15/4/05
Western Australia and Northern Territory Ministers have agreed to collaborate in the battle against the cane toad.
In Darwin this morning, WA Agriculture Minister Kim Chance signed a joint letter with the Territory’s Parks and Wildlife Minister, Dr Chris Burns, to Federal Minister Senator Ian Campbell, calling on the Commonwealth to back the battle with new funding.
WA Environment Minister Judy Edwards and Mr Chance said it was essential that resources were directed right now towards stemming the western spread of the cane toad. The entry of this pest into WA must be prevented if at all possible.
The Ministers said the NT Government had successfully lobbied to set up a national taskforce on Cane Toads.
“It makes sense for WA to work collaboratively with the Northern Territory Government,” they said.
“The collaboration between the two Governments involves WA providing funding for projects aimed at stopping the spread of cane toads within the NT.”
The Northern Territory’s Minister for Parks and Wildlife, Dr Chris Burns, said he was very enthusiastic about the agreement with WA.
“The WA Government is showing the foresight that was sadly lacking in previous Territory governments, which did nothing to prevent the spread of the cane toad from Queensland to the NT,” Dr Burns said.
The Ministers were hopeful that the Commonwealth might change its stance and provide new money to match funding already contributed by WA and the NT.
“The Gallop Government is protecting and enhancing WA’s lifestyle and environment and the Commonwealth does have a role to support initiatives such as those being undertaken by the State and the Northern Territory,” they said.
Minister's office: 9220 5050
