MEDIA RELEASE: LABOR WILL DELIVER $9.2 MILLION TO STOP YELLOW CRAZY ANTS

A Shorten Labor Government will deliver $9.2 million over the next three years to protect our World Heritage Wet Tropics from the threat of yellow crazy ants.

This funding will enable the Wet Tropics Management Authority to continue their work to protect our native species against this invasive pest.

This election is a choice between Labor’s plan to protect our rainforests or the LNP’s bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town.

Labor candidate for Leichhardt Elida Faith said that this funding was part of Labor’s ongoing commitment to protecting our environment.

“We are incredibly lucky in Far North Queensland to be home to two World Heritage listed sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics.

“Through the work of the Wet Tropics Management Authority, we have seen a significant decline in the yellow crazy ants’ infestation within our rainforests.

“This vital work must continue to ensure locals and visitors alike can enjoy our rainforests and native wildlife.

“This program not only protects our rainforests; it supports our tourism and agriculture industries and creates jobs,” said Ms Faith.

“Yellow crazy ants are listed as one of the world’s top 100 worst invasive species. They develop huge super colonies which then affect all levels of the food chain,” said Shadow Minister for the Environment and Water Tony Burke.

Shadow Minister for Regional Services Stephen Jones said that the Wet Tropics had been badly let down by the LNP.

“The LNP have spent the past six years in a reckless and divisive fight over climate change, and the Wet Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef have been caught in the crossfire.

“A report released this week has shown that the Wet Tropics are facing a dire threat from climate change, yet local member Warren Entsch has refused to stand up to his party.

“On top of our commitment to tackle invasive species, Labor has a comprehensive set of policies to address climate change, including our commitment to reach net zero pollution by 2050.

“Leichhardt needs a local member that will fight to protect our World Heritage listed sites – and that is Elida Faith.”

After six years of LNP cuts and chaos, our united Labor team is ready.

THURSDAY, 2 MAY 2019