Goat Central

WA sheep and cattle fund releases grants for wild dog control

Sheep Central, December 11, 2019

Wild dogs on a cow carcase in Western Australia.

GAPS in wild dog control activities within Western Australia’s dog-fenced areas will be addressed by industry-funded grants announced today.

The Sheep and Goat Industry Funding Scheme Management Committee is inviting organisations to apply for grants to support the eradication of wild dogs within dog-fenced areas of the state.

Up to $2.25 million in total will be allocated under an open, competitive process. Grants of up to $600,000 for activities spanning three years (maximum of $200,000 per year) are available to applicants, starting in 2020.

Sheep and Goat IFS Management Committee chair Charles Wass said the grants would address gaps in wild dog control activities inside dog-fenced areas.

“Biosecurity groups are doing a fantastic job controlling wild dogs and other pests which their communities have identified as priorities.

“However, coverage gaps persist and need to be addressed if we are going to stop the influx of dogs into the agricultural region and rebuild the pastoral sheep industry,” Mr Wass said.

“These new grants represent the WA sheep and goat industry joining with the community and government in the fight against wild dogs.”

The grants will also be available for research and development, including training, to improve wild dog management and control.

The Sheep and Goat IFS is an industry-funded scheme authorised under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007. Western Australian sheep and goat producers contribute 15 cents to the scheme from every sheep and goat that they sell.

Initial expressions of interest for grant funding are now being sought and must be submitted by midnight (AWST), 12 January 2020.

WA agriculture minister welcomes the industry grants

Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the industry-led grant program is a fantastic initiative that complemented state government investment in fencing, helping to ensure dogs inside the fenced zone are controlled and eradicated.

“Industry Funding Schemes are a critical tool for industry to drive investment in the areas it sees as highest priority, and we congratulate the Sheep and Goat Industry Funding Scheme Management Committee for their leadership.”

The McGowan Government is investing $17.28 million in wild dog fencing projects across the state, including $6.9 million for the State Barrier Fence Esperance extension, $4.58 million on cell fences in Kalgoorlie, Carnarvon and the Murchison, and; $5.8 million on repairs and maintenance of the State Barrier Fence.

“Our fencing programs are rolling out across the state, with works underway on the State Barrier Fence Esperance extension, maintenance on the fence well advanced, and cell fences under construction in the Murchison and Goldfields.”

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development provides executive support to the IFS Management Committee.

Click here for more information about the IFS grant criteria, guidelines and application process.

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Comments

  1. Jack Cleary, December 11, 2019

    These ideas can work well when the beneficiaries truly appreciate the sacrifice others make for them…and that means constant surveillance of the fencing and fixing it properly themselves. If they will not do that, then fencing patrols must be in ‘perpetual motion’ and recovering repair costs from the landowner’s income.

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