A resident of Melbourne's south-east was walking along the Djerring Trail near Huntingdale train station on Boxing Day afternoon when they found what they thought was a cane toad and scooped it up in a cup.
They reported their find to Agriculture Victoria, which identified the animal as an Asian black-spined toad — an amphibian that produces a poisonous milky substance.
Wildlife or pets could become seriously ill or die if they tried to eat the toads, which can breed up to two times a year and produce up to 40,000 eggs per cycle, AgVic said.
Eating Asian black-spined toad skin or eggs could also cause serious illness or death.
Authorities were trying to figure out how the toad — abundant and widespread in South-East Asia including in Bali, Thailand and Papua New Guinea — came to be in Melbourne.
"They do not naturally occur in the wild within Australia, however, the species is frequently intercepted at Australian borders in shipping containers and in personal luggage as stowaways," Agriculture Victoria biosecurity manager Adam Kay said.
New funding to fight fire ants
The Victorian Government is investing $69.7 million to help the national fight against one of the world’s worst invasive pests, the red fire ant.
Agriculture Minister Ros Spence said Victoria would provide the full funding requested to support the national eradication program, which aims to halt the spread of the pest from Queensland to other parts of Australia.
The red fire ant is a destructive South American ant that can spread quickly and damage agriculture, the natural environment, human health and the economy.
Victoria has been part of the effort to eradicate the ants since the national eradication program began in 2001, following the first detection in Brisbane.
Fire ant biosecurity zones are in place to help manage the movement of materials that are known to spread fire ants, both within Queensland and interstate.
High-risk materials — including soil, hay, mulch, manure, quarry products, turf and potted plants — are subject to legally enforced movement controls.
Agriculture Victoria routinely conducts surveillance, imposes market access and trade conditions on the movement of fire ant host materials from Queensland, promotes awareness and responds to reports of suspect fire ants.
Local produce on show
Regional towns across Victoria are being called on to get creative and show off their locally produced food and drinks as part of the Victorian Government’s $1 million Regional Activation Grants Program.
Victorian Agriculture Minister Ros Spence has opened the first round of grants under the new program, inviting regional tourism boards, food and fibre groups, and regional bodies to apply for funding.
Grants of up to $70,000 are available to hold local events that showcase local food and beverages in the regions where they are produced.
This new initiative aims to shine a light on the high quality food and beverages produced in Victoria’s regions and connect local producers with local consumers.
Events may include farmers’ markets, food and beverage festivals, or collaborative tasting sessions, directly engaging local communities with producers.
Ms Spence said Victoria’s food and drinks sector was world-class, and these grants would support greater appreciation for locally sourced products and strengthen the community’s connection with the creators behind the goods they value and enjoy.
Businesses involved will also have their products showcased on the Vic Grown website. The webpage serves as a comprehensive hub, showcasing diverse producer profiles, offering insights into the rich stories behind local products, and facilitating easier access for consumers seeking locally sourced produce.
Applications close on February 16.
For more information, to apply for a grant or view program eligibility and guidelines, visit: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/funds-grants-programs/vicgrown-regional-activation-grants
Minns urged to reject water buybacks
The NSW Government is being urged to take a similar approach to its Victorian counterpart and totally reject the reintroduction of water buybacks.
The Murray Regional Strategy Group, representing community and farming organisations in the NSW Murray Valley, is calling on NSW Premier Chris Minns to take a strong stance in opposing buybacks.
The group has sought a meeting with Mr Minns and NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson to explain the potential impact of buybacks and the alternative solutions that can help NSW retain productivity, while at the same time achieving environmental objectives.
MRSG chair Geoff Moar said his organisation was buoyed by the strong Victorian stance on buybacks and has asked for similar definitive action from NSW.
It also wants the NSW and Victorian Governments to take a united approach that calls for South Australia to play a greater role in Murray-Darling Basin Plan implementation, instead of leaving upstream states to carry the burden of water recovery.
Farm leader role made permanent
Annabel Johnson has been appointed the new chief executive officer of NSW Farmers.
NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin said Ms Johnson had a lifelong connection with agriculture, having grown up on a cattle and sheep farm near Young, and had worked in the organisation as a policy director and was head of policy and advocacy before taking on the role of interim CEO in September.
“Annabel has a lifelong connection to agriculture, a strong understanding of our industry, and has demonstrated a great capacity for leadership during her time with NSW Farmers,” Mr Martin said.
Ms Johnson said she was honoured to be entrusted with the leadership of the organisation.
“We will continue to progress our important advocacy work while delivering value and benefits to our members,” she said.
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