19 September 2024
The Australian National Wild Dog Action Plan Coordination Committee recently convened its annual meeting in Canberra to review progress and set strategic priorities for the upcoming year.
The Committee, composed of key stakeholders from government, state farming organisations, peak industry councils and the RD&E sector, reaffirmed its commitment to the sustainable and effective management of wild dog impacts across Australia.
Geoff Power, Chair of the National Wild Dog Action Plan Coordination Committee and a South Australian wool grower, said the meeting showed the collective will of industry and government to minimise the impact of wild dogs on livestock and our ecosystems.
“Over the two days, the Committee discussed the importance of staying true to the objectives of the National Wild Dog Action Plan. Coordinating a unified response to managing wild dog populations, balancing both conservation and agricultural interests, ensuring sustainable practices across Australia.”
Mr Power said the Committee appreciated the opportunity to engage with both Australian Capital Territory and Victorian government representatives regarding potential legislative and regulatory changes within their jurisdictions.
“Producers are understandably worried about the future of livestock production if wild dog control measures are rolled back. These concerns extend beyond borders – wild dogs don’t respect state lines – so if one state, such as Victoria, pares back its wild dog control program, other states will also be impacted.”
Peter Star, Victorian Farmers’ Federation representative and Tallangatta farmer, said “My property is 5km off public land, with the current wild dog control program working well and protecting me. If the Victorian Government lift the unprotection order, in one to two years I will have wild dogs on my property. I will need to implement costly and often ineffective measures to protect my livestock – not to mention the suffering of attacked livestock.”
Lloyd Hick, Cattle Australia representative and a North-Queensland cattle producer, appreciated the opportunity to engage on matters such as current reviews to wild dog management across some jurisdictions.
“I’ve been farming for over 40 years and this is the greatest level of wild dogs I’ve seen. We’re the ones on the front-line and it’s essential our voices are heard when reviewing any wild dog management approaches.”
A final outcome from the two-day meeting was for the Committee to remain committed to ensuring the principles of the nationally agreed Plan on wild dog management are upheld – the promotion of evidence-based, best practice tools and methods aimed at protecting agriculture, the environment and community wellbeing.
The wild dog problem
- Wild dog attacks on livestock cost the Australian economy upwards of $89 million a year.
- Cost jobs and livelihoods for many in the Australian agricultural sector, affecting the social and economic fabric of rural communities.
- Attacks cause serious emotional and psychological damage to farmers, rural families and their communities.
- Farming of small stock such as sheep and goats is not sustainable in areas where wild dog numbers are excessive.
- Profound impacts on biodiversity, with wild dogs’ opportunistic predators who will prey on everything from goannas to koalas.
For more information on the National Wild Dog Action Plan please visit here. For more information on the Committee visit here.
-ENDS-
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