SOUTH Australian resources companies are contributing to the state’s 1,600-kilometre rebuild of its dog fence with the donation of drill rod.
Santos and OZ Minerals are donating more than 4000 lengths of drill rod to the project, which is being cut and used for fence posts as part of the $25 million Dog Fence rebuild.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the government is delighted both Santos and OZ Minerals are supporting the Dog Fence Board by donating steel posts to the once-in-one hundred year rebuild of the fence which protected the state’s sheep industry.
“Santos and OZ Minerals have generously donated thousands of lengths of drill rod, which is highly in demand and often difficult to source, to ensure the rebuild of the historic South Australian Dog Fence continues to move along swiftly.
“Santos has committed 3000 lengths of drill pipe to the project and OZ Minerals has donated 1000 lengths to date, with more to come,” Mr Basham said.
“The resources and pastoral industries have long been partners in our northern rangelands and we thank these businesses for coming forward with an offer to help rebuild this important infrastructure.
“Pastoralists and those farmers whose sheep have been severely impacted by wild dogs are extremely appreciative of these donations,” he said.
“These donations are yet another example of the deep bonds that exist between the staff and management of both businesses and those who live and work alongside them on pastoral stations and our remote towns, to generate wealth for South Australia.
“Similar to the loan of specialist fence building machinery by Australian Wool Innovation, the donation of drill rod is another example of industry working with government on a project of great benefit to South Australia,” Mr Basham said.
“Some sections of the Dog Fence are more than a century old, so as we rebuild, it’s vital we’re using the right materials to ensure it protects our livestock industries for years to come.”
The $25 million Dog Fence Rebuild project is estimated to deliver net benefits to South Australia of between $56 million and $113 million over 20 years.
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