The McGowan Government will invest $13.4 million over four years towards strategic control of wild dogs in Western Australia.
The funding will support delivery of the Western Australian Wild Dog Action Plan 2021-25, which builds on the McGowan Government’s $22 million investment over the past four years to manage wild dogs across WA and protect the State’s sheep industry.
Over the past four years, the Government has repaired or replaced more than 300 kilometres of the ageing State Barrier Fence, supported construction of four cell fencing projects in the rangelands, started work on the 660-kilometre State Barrier Fence Esperance extension and funded doggers, sterilisation and research programs.
The funding to 2025, confirmed in the Mid-year Review, will enable vital ongoing management of wild dogs, and includes:
- $5 million for further upgrades to the State Barrier Fence, to keep the full fence line properly maintained;
- $3.2 million to support employment of eight doggers who target control of wild dogs on government managed lands;
- $1 million for a grant funding program to improve dog control measures;
- $580,000 to continue the Murdoch University-run program sterilising dogs in remote Aboriginal communities; and
- $100,000 to continue best practice wild dog management workshops and education of landholders in agricultural areas.
Funds will also support the use of registered Aboriginal businesses for the repair, replacement and maintenance of the State Barrier Fence, building on the success of the McGowan Government’s initiative to employ Aboriginal contractors for fence works.
The entire 1,190 kilometres of the State Barrier Fence is now maintained by four Aboriginal maintenance contractors on a fortnightly basis on the back of the McGowan Government’s investment.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Wild dogs are clearly a big threat to small stock – and we need to manage this risk.
“Our Government has made an unprecedented investment over the last four years to combat the threat of wild dogs: repairing and extending the State Barrier Fence, supporting a network of cell fences, funding doggers and backing R&D into wild dog management.
“This new $13.4 million investment will build on that success, providing strategic on-the-ground support for farmers and pastoralists.
“It will drive regional economic growth and jobs while providing ongoing Aboriginal employment opportunities within the livestock industry.
“By extending these programs for four more years, we are giving producers the confidence they need to restock and grow the sheep industry.”
