WAFarmers has commended Minister for Agriculture Alannah MacTiernan in the progression of allocating all funds for the Western Australian wild dog action plan.
The Minister’s foresight in recognising the importance of repairing the State Barrier Fence and providing 60 per cent of the funds required for building the Esperance extension should be praised, as it was not progressed by the previous government.
WAFarmers Livestock Wild Dog representative and Esperance Biosecurity Association Chairman, Scott Pickering, has expressed his gratitude to Minister MacTiernan for acknowledging the thriving production of the Esperance agricultural region.
“It is a sign that the State Government realises the importance of the Esperance Port zone,” Mr Pickering said.
“This year, three million tonnes of grain came from the Esperance port zone and sheep production has increased 30 per cent from 2014-2016.
“The contribution of $6.9 million to the Esperance extension will ensure that the production of Esperance agricultural zone can continue to grow.
“It has been a long time coming, and is a relief for farmers to finally have some clarity and movement around the extension.”
It was also announced there would be an allocation of $615,000 towards a research and development fund that will focus on investigating alternative methods of wild dog control and management. WAFarmers supports this concept to explore alternate control methods for wild dogs. This research could potentially unlock new sciences that could help make informative decisions for phase two of the program beyond 2020.
WAFarmers looks forward to participation and engagement with Minister MacTiernan in future wild dog forums.
ENDS.
All media requests must be directed to WAFarmers Media and Communications Officer Melanie Dunn on (08) 9486 2100 or [email protected].
