$1 million secured for research into Pimelea
AUSTRALIA - AgForce has helped secure almost $1 million from the Federal government to research the plant pimelea and ways to combat the massive production losses caused by pimelea poisoning in livestock.
23 November 2006
2 minute read
AgForce strategic policy director Dr Amanda Parker said Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran
and Senator Ron Boswell had been quick to recognise the significance of the issue when it was raised
with them at the AgForce state conference in July.
“Anecdotal evidence puts the cost of pimelea poisoning at more than $50 million – that includes
production losses, stock death and control and management work. Minister McGauran and Senator
Boswell support research into sustainable livestock production in areas affected by pimelea,” Dr
Parker said.
“The impacts of pimelea poisoning during the past few years have been devastating for cattle
producers in southern inland, south west and central western Queensland, northern North South
Wales and South Australia and even parts of the Northern Territory.”
In September, AgForce and Meat and Livestock Australia held a pimelea forum in Roma where more
than 130 landholders participated in discussions on past research and current experiences with
pimelea poisoning.
Dr Parker said AgForce would manage the $975,000 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Forestry funded project, secured with the help of Queensland Department of Primary Industries and
Fisheries (DPI&F) staff who were integral in putting the proposal together.
“The Queensland, South Australian and New South Wales departments of primary industries, the
University of Queensland and AAco will all undertake research as part of this project,” she said.
“A best practice management guide will be developed using existing work and by carrying out new
field and laboratory trials, all aimed at boosting long term sustainability.”
Dr Parker said this meant landholders would be able to deal proactively and effectively with pimelea
and improve the viability of cattle production in the effected regions.
“On behalf of landholders, we would like to thank Minister McGauran, Senator Boswell and the DPI&F
staff for the speedy delivery of this much needed funding.”
Dr Parker said producers with significant stands of pimelea on their properties could contact their local
DPI&F as plant material was needed for the research.
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