Ahead of the Victorian election, farmers and environmentalists are collaborating in an "emergency alliance" to address the growing issue of invasive species. This partnership includes the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), the Invasive Species Council, and Environment Victoria, focusing on enhancing pest control management. They aim to advocate for political support and policies that prioritize effective strategies against invasive species, which significantly threaten both agriculture and native biodiversity.

The urgency of this initiative stems from alarming statistics showing that invasive pests jeopardize 80% of native species in Australia and impose a staggering $5 billion annual cost on farmers. This coalition aims to highlight the crucial need for comprehensive pest management strategies as resources for fighting invasive species have diminished due to cuts in government funding and staffing. The failure to control the feral deer and rabbit populations could have dire consequences for both the environment and local agricultural sectors.

The alliance plans to mobilize communities and stakeholders in a campaign to influence candidates and political parties to integrate robust pest control measures into their election platforms. With invasive species being identified as the leading cause of biodiversity loss and species extinction, the collaborative efforts of farmers and conservationists represent a significant shift towards proactive environmental stewardship in Australia.