May 16, 2013
The new-look Wild Dog Barrier Fence Panel has selected the Deputy Mayor of the Western Downs Regional Council, Cr George Moore, as its new chairperson at a meeting in Roma today.
Agriculture Minister John McVeigh said the Wild Dog Barrier Fence was an important element in the fight against the scourge of wild dogs.
“A co-ordinated approach between landholders, industry and government at all levels is the key to control over an area as large as Queensland,” Mr McVeigh said.
“One of the tools in our approach is this fence.
“The State Government contributes around $1.1 million per year to the operational costs and maintenance of the barrier fence, and the panel provides advice to DAFF on the management and day-to-day operations of it.
“The Barrier Fence Panel is made up of three local government councillors, an AgForce representative and two DAFF staff.
“The local government members represent the nine local governments in the protected area, which also make a significant contribution to the funding of the barrier fence.
“Ms Donna Stewart is the outgoing Chair. I thank Ms Stewart for her valuable contribution over the past four years.
“I am pleased to hear that Cr Moore has been elected as the new Chair. I have worked with him previously as a fellow director of Condamine Alliance and I’m sure he will do a fantastic job.”
Mr McVeigh said the State Government had demonstrated its commitment to reducing the impacts of wild dogs by recently offering $705,000 to local councils and industry to boost wild dog management programs across Queensland.
“Of that, we have committed $175,000 for AgForce to roll out a series of initiatives,” he said.
“We are making funding available to councils in southern, central and north west Queensland to undertake wild dog control projects in pastoral and peri-urban areas.
“There is also funding for councils in southern coastal areas for wild dog control projects.
“By the middle of the year we should have an overview of what projects councils have decided to develop, and DAFF will provide appropriate support and advice as required.”
