Wild dog fencing unlocking the potential of the west

Queensland now has 5,000 kilometres of exclusion fencing as a result of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to eradicate the threat of wild dogs.

Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne says a new map which details the extent of existing cluster fencing, and those under construction or approved for funding, shows the extent of the effort to support the revival of the sheep industry.

“Five thousand kilometres is about the same distance as a return highway journey from Cairns to Sydney,” the Minister said.

“By the time the projects currently under way are completed, more than 420 properties will be protected from south of Hughenden to the New South Wales border.

“Our election commitment was to provide $5 million over three years to tackle the problem feral animals pose to our producers.

“In fact we have gone way beyond that initial commitment and we are now seeing renewed confidence in the sheep and wool sector.

“The fencing allows producers to effectively protect their flocks and the rejuvenation of the industry will bring huge economic and social benefits to south west and central western Queensland.

“A thriving and confident sheep and wool sector will help to revitalise some of our regional centres, bring more money into them and increase employment opportunities.”

Minister Byrne paid tribute to producers who had matched government funding with their own commitment to the fencing effort

“Funding is capped at approximately one-half of material costs and landholders must contribute the remaining costs,” he said.

Producer Anita Dennis, of Coolagh at Blackall, is part of the Moonbria cluster fencing project.

She said the investment was well worth the effort, with flow-on effects to the entire regional economy.

“The Moonbria cluster4 fence will bring an expected additional 22,000 sheep to the area, which means $285,000 in additional local wages.

“People may say fencing is expensive, but compared to the continual waste of money and time with dog attacks, and the burden of stress, this is minimal cost.

“Being able to relax, and sleep at night knowing your stock are going to be alive the next day, is a huge mental relief.

“Having fenced at Coolagh, the change in financial and mental well-being is huge,” she said.

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