Published Wednesday, 23 July, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Wild dog strategy under review
Rosscoe Downs (near Cunnamulla): The Queensland Government will review the state’s wild dog management strategy, Premier Anna Bligh said today.
Ms Bligh announced the review whilst visiting landholders at Cunnamulla today.
“It’s clear that the Queensland primary industries, especially the sheep industry are being hurt by the devastating impact of wild dogs,” Ms Bligh said.
“Wild dogs cost Queensland an estimated $33 million a year in livestock losses, disease spread and control.
“State and local governments, together with industry, already commit significant resources to tackling the wild dog issue; including maintaining the Wild Dog Barrier Fence and conducting research into management techniques.
“But clearly it’s time to reinvigorate our efforts and ensure that landholders are using the latest research and strategies to further protect this important Queensland industry.
“I’ve asked Peter Kenny, president of AgForce Queensland, to lead a review of the Queensland Wild Dog Management Strategy.
“Mr Kenny will also review the Memorandum of Understanding between local governments, Agforce, the Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries, and the Environmental Protection Agency for the management of wild dogs inside the Wild Dog Barrier Fence.
“This review will look at issues like changing grazing practices inside and outside of the Wild Dog Barrier Fence, resourcing, research, the impact of wild dogs on pets and people’s safety in closely settled areas as well as the conservation of the dingo.
“AgForce has a long history of working with the Government on wild dog issues, and I believe that this relationship is vital if we are to see more coordinated efforts to control wild dogs,” Ms Bligh said.
Wild dogs kill and harass stock, causing considerable financial loss to the sheep and cattle industries and to the families that support them. They also impact on native species, spread disease and attack pets.
For more information about wild dog management in Queensland, visit the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) www.dpi.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 5500
Ms Bligh announced the review whilst visiting landholders at Cunnamulla today.
“It’s clear that the Queensland primary industries, especially the sheep industry are being hurt by the devastating impact of wild dogs,” Ms Bligh said.
“Wild dogs cost Queensland an estimated $33 million a year in livestock losses, disease spread and control.
“State and local governments, together with industry, already commit significant resources to tackling the wild dog issue; including maintaining the Wild Dog Barrier Fence and conducting research into management techniques.
“But clearly it’s time to reinvigorate our efforts and ensure that landholders are using the latest research and strategies to further protect this important Queensland industry.
“I’ve asked Peter Kenny, president of AgForce Queensland, to lead a review of the Queensland Wild Dog Management Strategy.
“Mr Kenny will also review the Memorandum of Understanding between local governments, Agforce, the Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries, and the Environmental Protection Agency for the management of wild dogs inside the Wild Dog Barrier Fence.
“This review will look at issues like changing grazing practices inside and outside of the Wild Dog Barrier Fence, resourcing, research, the impact of wild dogs on pets and people’s safety in closely settled areas as well as the conservation of the dingo.
“AgForce has a long history of working with the Government on wild dog issues, and I believe that this relationship is vital if we are to see more coordinated efforts to control wild dogs,” Ms Bligh said.
Wild dogs kill and harass stock, causing considerable financial loss to the sheep and cattle industries and to the families that support them. They also impact on native species, spread disease and attack pets.
For more information about wild dog management in Queensland, visit the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) www.dpi.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 5500