AN extra $1.35 million will be injected into implementation of the National Wild Dog Action Plan over the next two years, Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce, said in NSW today.

Mr Joyce made the announcement at ‘Black Flat’ near Michelago NSW this morning to provide continuity and certainty for the roll-out of the plan over the longer term as well as a lever for attracting co-investment dollars from industry and other governments.

“Last year we provided start-up funding of $280,000 towards the plan, and we are now investing an additional $1.35 million to ensure on-the-ground methodologies are accessible, reliable, available and used to the greatest effect possible,” he said.

Funding will strengthen on-ground work

The funding will also deliver support projects and will strengthen the on-ground work that is already being pursued, Mr Joyce said.

“Success is dependent on industry, farmers, state and territory governments and the community all playing a role.

“The plan provides a model for industry-led action and now it is up to all of us to make a difference – ‘working together—working smarter’.”

Mr Joyce said wild dogs are estimated to cost Australia’s agricultural sector up to $66 million per year through livestock losses, disease transmission and control costs.

“But no dollar figure can reflect the frustration and distress that wild dog attacks cause for the farmers who put their heart and soul into raising and protecting their livestock.

“This funding complements the $8.8 million we have already committed through the drought assistance package for pest management across Australia, as well as an additional $25.8 million under this year’s Budget to continue to manage the impacts of pest animals and weeds in drought-affected areas.”

Investment is essential to livestock industries

Mr Joyce said the investment is essential to the long-term protection of the contribution that our livestock industries make to Australia.

“Wool exports alone were worth $2.9 billion to the national economy in 2013-14.

“I commend all parties—industry, governments, farmers, and research agencies including the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre (CRC)—for the work they have done to date in developing and implementing this action plan, and I am pleased that this good work will be continuing.”

WoolProducers Australia facilitated the development of the National Wild Dog Action Plan in collaboration with the wool, sheepmeat, cattle and goat industries and the Australian, state and territory governments.

The implementation of the action plan is managed by a steering committee drawn from key stakeholders and supported by a Stakeholder Consultative Group.  More information is available on the Invasive Animals CRC PestSmart Connect website at pestsmart.org.au/national-wild-dog-action-plan.

Source: Department of Agriculture.