Breakthrough initiatives to help fight wild dogs

The LNP Government has stepped up the fight against feral animals with two breakthrough initiatives to empower landholders and local councils tackle wild dogs.

In Charleville today, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh announced changes allowing landholders to buy 1080 baits through local rural supply stores and a pilot program for councils to achieve greater compliance in pest animal control.

“These two initiatives will help landholders and communities fight feral animals,” Mr McVeigh said.

“This is a standout example of how the LNP government is turning things around for western Queensland. We can’t make it rain, but we can help graziers, councils and their communities with common sense changes to help hem fight the menace of wild dogs.

“In stark contrast to the lunacy of the Labor government that insisted on human-grade meat for baits and layer upon layer of restrictions on bait chemicals, today I am launching a new system that will give landholders easier access to baits – starting in Murweh Shire.

“As of today, licensed retailers can apply to be approved to supply 1080 to landholders with a Bait User Permit, which landholders can now apply for from Biosecurity Queensland.

“Under Labor, only public sector employees accredited by Queensland Health could provide 1080 baits to rural landholders.

“The LNP is giving landholders more flexibility to control wild dogs on their properties and in coming weeks, the new system will also allow contractors to apply to become approved 1080 providers.”

Mr McVeigh said Murweh and Paroo Shire Councils, and the Somerset Regional Council would also participate in a Wild Dog Compliance Pilot Project.

“Landholders have told me they’re sick of seeing their hard work go down the drain because of others who refuse to take any action to control wild dogs,” Mr McVeigh said.

“This pilot project will assist local councils to investigate complaints and to take action against landholders who are not actively controlling wild dogs.”

[ENDS] 30 July 2014

Media contact: Bruce Mills 0408 713 610