The NSW Government allocation will support new or expanded, on the ground, biosecurity projects.
The program, led by Local Land Services, will undertake 21 initial projects in priority areas across NSW.
One will run across the Murray LLS region, which incorporates the Edward River Council region.
Called the Forestry Pest Management Neighbour’s Program, it will also be run in the Western, Central West, Central Tablelands, North West and Riverina LLS regions.
It specifically targets feral pig populations on properties with state forest boundaries, led by the Forestry Corporation of NSW and state forest neighbours.
The statewide Good Neighbours Program initiative is part of the government’s $945 million commitment to addressing biosecurity threats to the state’s $20 billion primary industries sector.
It addresses pest animals and problem weeds, including feral deer, feral pigs, tropical soda apple and hudson pear.
Improved on-ground outcomes will be achieved through coordinated pest animal and weed control programs, as well as capacity-building workshops, training and education for landholders and land managers.
Minister of Agriculture Tara Moriarty said the Good Neighbours Program highlights the importance of public and private land managers working together to prevent the spread of pests and weeds and protect the NSW economy, environment and community.
Research shows that pest animals and weeds impact more than 70 per cent of the state’s threatened species and endangered ecological communities, posing a significant agricultural threat.
“Effective pest and weed management are critical to supporting agricultural productivity and biodiversity in New South Wales, and it’s best achieved by working as a united front,” Ms Moriarty said.
“As the saying goes, everybody needs good neighbours. Biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and we all have a part to play.”
Local Land Services’ Good Neighbours Program project manager Dale Kirby echoed the sentiments, saying “many hands make light work”.
“We can achieve far better outcomes when private and public landholders work together, with expert advice and support from Local Land Services, to reduce impacts and limit the spread of pests and weeds across the landscape,” he said.
The program will run until mid-2026, with additional projects expected to be funded. Visit nsw.gov.au/good-neighbours to learn more.
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