Incentive Scheme
The 2016 Pest Management Incentive Scheme has now closed.
Council has allocated $20,000 for the Pest Management Incentive Scheme for 2016. Submissions will be accepted for the scheme from the 11th January 2016. Similar to previous years the scheme is aimed at assisting landholders manage various pest species of concern to agricultural production and the environment. Successful applicants may be reimbursed for up to $1,000 to cover costs incurred in managing pest species. Eligible expenses include herbicides, minor equipment, ammunition, outlay for contractors to undertake mechanical weed removal etc.
To be eligible for reimbursement under the scheme in 2016 the applicant must:
- Be a Cook Shire rate payer
- Own and work on a property in excess of 28 hectares within the local government area
- Derive the majority of their income from primary production
- Have a current ABN
- Complete an application
- Have a current and approved Property Pest Management Plan, developed or reviewed within the past 12 month, for the property the subject of the application
- Have had a Council Biosecurity Officer undertake a property pest assessment in the 12 months preceding any application
- Be prepared to allow a Council Biosecurity Officer to conduct a follow up assessment
- Provide tax invoices/receipts detailing the purchase of the items used for pest control dated no earlier than 1stOctober 2015
In determining the value of the reimbursement available to the applicant consideration will be given to a variety of factors including the scale of the pest management issues on the property concerned, whether or not these issues are assigned priority within the Cook Shire Pest Management Plan 2012-2016, previous pest control activities on the particular pests identified and the applicants participation in other pest management activities such as Council's 1080 baiting program. Additionally, to ensure financial assistance is spread as widely as possible preference will be given to properties that have not received funding under programs sponsored by Cape York NRM.
Incentive Scheme Application
Landholders interested in applying for reimbursement under the scheme are required to complete an application form.
Should you require more information regarding the Pest Management Incentive Scheme please download the Incentive Scheme - Information for Landholders document, contact Cook Shire Council's Biosecurity team on (07) 4069 5444 or email us.
