The State Government has welcomed a long-awaited funding top-up to the State Barrier Fence Esperance extension from the Federal Government, however, it is calling for a better deal for Western Australia on wild dog funding.
The McGowan Government has allocated $6.9 million towards the project, as part of its $28 million commitment to tackling wild dogs in agricultural and pastoral regions.
The Shire of Esperance has committed $1.5 million, while the Shire of Ravensthorpe has committed $280,000.
The Federal Government has today committed just $1 million towards the project.
The 660 kilometre fence extension will help farmers in Ravensthorpe and Esperance fight the ongoing scourge of wild dog predation.
The project is currently in the final stages of environmental approvals, with work ready to get underway as soon as approvals are finalised.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“For almost two years we have been calling for the Federal Government to stump up its fair share for this project.
“While we welcome this contribution to the project, it’s not enough.
“The Federal Government’s contribution to this important project pales in comparison to its investment in Queensland – compare this $1 million to the $9 million Queensland received last year for pest management.
“Work is underway to ensure we are ready to hit the ground running as soon as environmental approvals are in place, and we will continue to consider the best option to fill the remaining $1.5 million funding gap – which should be called the Wilson-Littleproud Gap.”
