29 June 2020
View this media release as a pdf.
The National Wild Dog Action Plan (NWDAP) 2020-30 is Australia’s new blueprint for humane, best practice wild dog management.
The Plan, an update of the independently reviewed NWDAP 2014-19, is endorsed by producers, peak farming bodies, the Australian Government, state governments and research and development corporations, and ensures control measures are evidence-based best practice and the most ethical and humane available
The National Farmers’ Federation President Fiona Simson said the Plan, which is available on the new NWDAP website, has so far returned a cost-benefit ratio of between 6.1 to 16.5 for each dollar invested.
“The National Wild Dog Action Plan has been the spearhead for Australian predator management, providing the inspiration and template for the development of a new Feral Pig Management Plan,” she said.
“Its programs also make a significant contribution to biodiversity protection through the control of foxes and feral cats.”
“Wild dogs are a major problem for all grazing industries in Australia. Recognising this in 2013 the wool industry initiated the development of the first NWDAP, with the aim of bringing together all livestock peak bodies, researchers and Commonwealth, state and territory governments to a
coordinated approach to wild dog management.”
The coordinated and collaborative approach advocated by the Plan underpins projects that are critical to livestock industries such as the Western Australian Esperance extension to the State Barrier Fence Project, the South Australian Dog Fence Rebuild Project and the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative.
Ms Simson said the ongoing commitment to best practice wild dog management, as guided by the NWDAP 2020-30, is vital to the recovery of rural and regional economies, particularly those severely impacted by Covid19, bushfires and drought.
“The wild dog management groups and plans developed in these regions will enable rural and regional Australians to effectively manage wild dogs and rebuild following these traumatic events.”
South Australian wool producer Geoff Power, who also chairs the National Wild Dog Management Coordination Committee and the SA Dog Fence Board, said wild dogs cost the Australian economy upwards of $89 million a year in lost production and control costs.
Mr Power also highlighted the hidden impacts on rural communities.
“As sheep, wool and goat enterprises decline, so do jobs and business opportunities which places basic services such as health and education in rural areas at risk,” he said.
“The NWDAP 2020-30 provides leadership and reassures producers there is ongoing commitment from industry and government to wild dog management.
“We can be confident we have the best strategies and safest tools available for livestock and biodiversity protection.”
Media Contact:
NWDAP Communications Coordinator Riccarda Brindley 0429 025 074 or
by email.
Photos/captions:
Download the original from Dropbox
NFF President Fiona Simson said the National Wild Dog Action Plan 2020-30 underpins projects critical to livestock industries such as the Western Australian Esperance extension to the State Barrier Fence Project, the South Australian Dog Fence Rebuild Project and the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative.
Download the original from Dropbox
Geoff Power: The NWDAP 2020-30 provides leadership and reassures producers there is ongoing commitment from industry and government to wild dog management.
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