- Cook Government investing $500,000 to reduce native bushfly populations in the South West
- Dung beetle initiative will help enhance the tourism experience and the benefits could be felt as far as Perth
- Farmers could also see improved pastures, better animal growth rates and more milk in dairy cattle
The Cook Government is investing half a million dollars to combat the build-up of native bushflies impacting South West tourist towns and local residents.
The dung beetle soil health initiative will help farmers use the beneficial bug to reduce the bushfly population across the region.
Several species of dung beetle have been established in Western Australia to break down cow pats, a process which can significantly decrease fly larvae.
Warren Catchments Council Inc has been awarded the tender to manage the soil health initiative and drive the long-term establishment of dung beetles in the South West, drawing on its extensive expertise and connections in the region. It will undertake the work in partnership with the Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee.
The initiative includes support for South West livestock producers to further integrate dung beetles into their operations to improve soil health and reap the benefits from improved pastures, including better animal growth rates and more milk in dairy cattle.
Education, extension and outreach activities will be an integral part of the project to help landholders better understand the bushfly breeding cycle, benefits to their businesses and measures to help reduce the fly population.
Farmers and tourism businesses will also be asked to be part of research and trials to better identify suitable dung beetle species that deliver a successful year-round program - backed by science and experience.
For more information on the dung beetle soil health initiative, visit: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/dung-beetles
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"The dung beetle is our secret weapon in the fight against WA's growing fly population.
"We all know how annoying flies can be and this innovative solution will help provide relief for tourists and residents as well as improve soil health and productivity for local farmers.
"Dung beetles are a small bug that could have a big impact on Western Australia's fly population and the benefits could be felt as far as Perth."
