Environment Minister Peter Garrett and Agriculture Minister Tony Burke announced the funding, under Caring for our Country.

Projects to receive the Caring for our Country funding are:

• Stop the Toad Foundation Inc (Perth-based)– $204,000 for community control activities
• Kimberley Toad Busters Inc. – $200,000 for community control activities, community research and a forum to bring cane toad researchers, experts and toad busters together in Kununurra, Western Australia
• University of Sydney – $621,000 to research cane toad communication and to investigate ways to help threatened northern quolls survive the threat of cane toads

Mr Garrett said the Government recognised that on-going community efforts could make a real difference in the fight against cane toads moving into the Kimberley.

"Cane toads have a significant effect on native wildlife, poisoning small native animals that prey on them, and competing with native animals for food," he said.

"With this additional funding, a total of at least 3000 days of community volunteer control efforts will have been supported by Caring for our Country in 2008-2010, buying valuable time while research continues into biological control measures."

Mr Burke said investment in scientific research was essential for both productive agricultural industries and a sustainable environment.

"Pests have a significant effect on farming productivity and cause maj environmental damage each year – scientific research will help to reduce that toll," Mr Burke said.

"Recently I released a report showing invasive pests cost state and federal governments and landholders more than $740 million each year.

"Under Caring for our Country we committed $57.5 million for 57 feral animal control projects across Australia, including more than 600 days of community volunteer cane toad control."