Jamieson Murphy

Changes to the nation's agvet chemical regulator will give farmers quicker access to chemicals, the government says, but the industry is concerned it will create another layer of bureaucracy.

Agricultural experts have urged farmers to do their research and consider the potential risks before diving headfirst into the emerging carbon market.

The retiring mayor plans to bring his appetite for "game changing" rural projects to the organisation.

"We've got enough challenges out here without having to worry about activists raids at night."

Grants ranging from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $150 million.

Invasive species cost Australia $25 billion each year and without urgent action that figure will spiral out of control in the coming decades.

The agriculture industry is by far the biggest user of the scheme, making up 44pc of all claims.

"Often when you think you've gotten rid of them, they've just moved - that's why we need people working together."

"I have no idea where these numbers came from, but it's just crazy," one expert said.

Not a cent from the government's $4-billion disaster recovery and mitigation fund has been handed out in two years, despite earning $700 million in interest.