Australia’s wild dog barrier fence. Image: www.digidrift.com

QUEENSLAND’S Crisafulli Government has committed $2.3 million in 2025-26 to upgrade and maintain the wild dog barrier fence.

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

The government said the funding safeguards 26.5 million hectares of Queensland livestock country.

The wild dog barrier fence stretches 2400 kilometres through Queensland 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 government said 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.

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.

“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,” Minister Perrett said.

“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.”

As a sheep farmer’s daughter, Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers and Member for Warrego Ann Leahy said she knew first-hand just how important biosecurity is for the livestock industry.

“Primary producers are the backbone of Queensland’s industry, and this support is crucial to supporting them well into the future.”