The State Government’s investment towards implementing the WA Wild Dog Action Plan 2016-2021 has been applauded by WAFarmers and the state’s livestock and pastoral industries.
Minister for Agriculture and Food Mark Lewis today announced that $19.94 million would support key recommendations from the WA Wild Dog Action Plan, and would recognise the importance of coordinating efforts from industry, government and the community to control wild dogs.
WAFarmers Livestock Council President John Wallace said the approval of the plan and additional funding for cell or cluster fencing was the culmination of extensive work by industry in this area.
“The state currently spends approximately $8.8 million per year on wild dog management, with the current cost of maintaining the 1,170 kilometre State Barrier Fence sitting at approximately $200,000 per annum,” Mr Wallace said.
“By complementing these maintenance activities with the injection of funds from the State Government, we can be confident that we can reduce the impact of wild dogs on agricultural production and biodiversity.
“While there is a need to prevent wild dogs getting within the fence, we acknowledge the need for a collaborative approach from industries, government and the communities inside the fence to contribute to the prevention of wild dog incursion, so we look forward to working with other stakeholders to put this plan into action.”
Mr Wallace also acknowledged the work of WAFarmers Livestock Council member Scott Pickering, who is the WAFarmers Wild Dog Representative on the National Wild Dog Action Plan Consultative Committee and the WA Wild Dog Action Plan Advisory Group, and WAFarmers Livestock Council member John Nankivell for his support.
Key actions to support wild dog management under the WA Wild Dog Action Plan 2016-2021 include, but are not limited to:
- Establish the WA Wild Dog Alliance to provide integration and alignment of the WA Biosecurity Groups and the National Wild Dog Action Plan.
- Invest in efficient management of Biosecurity Groups to ensure coordinated and cost-effective wild dog management in each region.
- Repair and replace 405 kilometres of the existing State Barrier Fence with shared funding from Federal and State Governments.
- Commit to a handover for maintaining the integrity of the State Barrier Fence by investing in maintenance for the next three years while the Wild Dog Alliance determines options for assuming full responsibility.
- Additional funding to support identified gaps in research and development including surveillance technology.
ENDS.
All media requests must be directed to WAFarmers Media and Communications Officer Melanie Dunn on (08) 9486 2100 or [email protected].
