The University of Southern Queensland has been given an important role in the fight against invasive species threatening agriculture and native animals as part of a new national research hub.
The university has joined the Resilient Landscapes Hub, hosted by University of Western Australia, as part of the second phase of the National Environmental Science Program. The hub is one of four new research hubs announced by the federal government and will cost $47 million over seven years.
Wildlife management senior research fellow Dr Ben Allen, from USQ's Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, said the announcement means there will be less livestock killed by invasive species and "more dollars in the pockets of farmers".
Dr Allen said the research will deliver on the shared interests of conservationists and farmers.
"If we do any work on controlling invasive species, it's not only good for producers and rural Queensland economies, it is good for conservation of Australian habitat," Dr Allen said.
"Unfortunately Australia has the highest rate of mammal extinction in the world and we don't have a good track record of keeping our native animals alive.
"A big part of these hubs is about delivering shared benefits for rural communities, pastoralists and the environment."
Wildlife Queensland campaign and policies manager Des Boyland said the investment is a very positive step towards protecting native wildlife and highlighted the importance of conservationists and farmers working together.
"This step gives farmers and conservation efforts certainty, if everyone works together," he said.
"When governments see conservationists and farmers agreeing and working together, they will sit up and take notice."
