September 27, 2012
Agriculture Minister John McVeigh has announced a series of measures – including a reinvigoration of the QDOG committee – to tackle the problem of wild dogs in Queensland.
“We need to make every effort to protect livestock production, the environment, and the community in general from this growing menace,” Mr McVeigh said.
AgForce General President Brent Finlay will chair the Queensland Dog Offensive Group (QDOG) which will meet on September 28.
“Wild dogs have the potential to drastically reduce productivity in the beef industry, decimate the sheep industry and have lasting impacts on the communities of Queensland which rely on the grazing sector,” Mr Finlay said.
“Not only this, they are also an ever increasing threat to peri-urban areas. For this reason it is vital QDOG is in place to draw attention to the severity of this problem and to spearhead solutions, including co-ordinated pest management, across the State,” he said.
Minister McVeigh said the members of QDOG would include:
- Mr Brent Finlay, AgForce President
- Cr Ray Brown, Mayor of Western Downs Regional Council
- Cr Denis Cook, Mayor of Murweh Shire Council
- Cr Barry Muir, Mayor of Blackall-Tambo Regional Council
- Cr Joe Owens, Mayor of Longreach Regional Council
- Mr Peter Lucas, AgForce Sheep and Wool Board
- Mr Ian Harsant, AgForce Cattle Board
- Mr Dave Edwards, retired Mayor of Quilpie Shire Council
- Mr Ted Parish, Department Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- Dr John Hodgon, Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing.
“I have strengthened Local Government representation, especially in our western grazing lands, because I believe that tier of government is a key component in wild dog management and in our war against these predators,” Mr McVeigh said.
“This is not going to be a talkfest but a group of experienced leaders in their field focused on the action required to bring the state’s wild dog problem under control.
“I will be relying on this new committee to advise me on the strategic direction of wild dog management in Queensland.
“I want a coordinated approach and I expect this reinvigorated committee to ensure the increased resources are properly targeted at areas that will deliver the best results.”
