The MBG Board of Management is continuing to explore all options for funding the group’s operational plan into the future, including implementing a Declared Pest Rate (DPR) within the seven shires of the region. The DPR is locally raised funding, that is then matched by the state government on a 1:1 basis. All funds raised through this process then must be spent within the MBG area. 

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The DPR will be spent on activities detailed in the MBG annual operational plan, which identifies priority pests and management strategies. Landholders will be given the chance to provide input into these plans, and can have a say on how the DPR will be spent. 

Activities include information, skills development and guidance to help landholders become involved in pest management, coordinated across fence lines, and continue to access contracted Licensed Pest Management Techinicians. 

Recognised Biosecurity Groups (RBG) require a long term strategic approach to making coordinated pest management an accepted part of good property management. The DPR provides the certainty of funding needed for this to occur. 

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The Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 allows a declared pest rate to be raised to manage priority declared pests. 

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