Investing in the Wild Dog Barrier Fence to protect livestock sector

• Crisafulli Government committing $2.3 million in 2025–26 to upgrade and maintain the Wild Dog Barrier Fence.
• $1.7 million committed to upgrade up to 50 kilometres of the Wild Dog Barrier Fence.
• Funding safeguards 26.5 million hectares of Queensland livestock country.
• Investment supports biosecurity, economic prosperity and long-term protection for Queensland’s sheep and cattle industry. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering more than $2.3 million in 2025–26 to upgrade and maintain the Wild Dog Barrier Fence, supporting long-term protection of the State’s livestock industry. 

The funding includes $1.7 million to replace up to 50km of ageing and deteriorated sections of the Wild Dog Barrier Fence, along with an additional $600,000 for the Department of Primary Industries for ongoing maintenance and to employ two additional biosecurity officers. 

The Wild Dog Barrier Fence stretches 2,400 kilometres from Jandowae, near Toowoomba, to the west of Hungerford on the New South Wales border, protecting 26.5 million hectares of sheep and cattle grazing country. 

The upgrades will help maintain the value and standard of the fence after years of neglect, and ensure patrol officers can focus on ongoing fence maintenance, flood restoration and inspections. 

The former Labor Government failed southern Queensland graziers by consistently underfunding this vital piece of rural infrastructure. 

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the investment reinforced the Crisafulli Government’s ongoing commitment to safeguard and strengthen biosecurity systems and to ensure the long-term future of Queensland’s livestock industry. 

“This funding is about ensuring our barrier fence continues to do its job well into the future – keeping wild dogs out and protecting Queensland producers and their livestock,” Minister Perrett said. 

“Each year, we will replace up to 50 kilometres of the fence to make sure this crucial piece of defensive infrastructure keeps pace with the harsh conditions it faces. 

“Our livestock industry is a key pillar in our State’s economic prosperity, and we’re doing our part in protecting the industry from threats so it can continue to thrive." 

Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers and Member for Warrego Ann Leahy said the funding was an example of how the Crisafulli Government backed rural and regional Queenslanders. 

“As a sheep farmer’s daughter, I know first-hand just how important biosecurity is for the livestock industry, and that’s why the Crisafulli Government committed to this vital funding,” Minister Leahy said.