The future of many Gippsland livestock is under threat as the renewal of Victoria’s Wild Dog Program faces uncertainty under the Allan Labor Government.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien says the continuation of the program is crucial to the sustainability of some local farms as wild dog numbers continue to threaten livestock.
“It is vital that we do all we can to ensure the continuation of the Wild Dog Program so that our local farmers, particularly those bordering the mountains, retain the right to protect their livelihood,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This program is not just important to our local farmers, but to our overall local economy and native wildlife so it is concerning to see the Labor Government wavering over the decision to continue the program.
“Whether you want to call them wild dogs or dingoes, the facts are that they are a threat to livestock and a threat to livelihoods.
“Over the past two years we have seen around 500 dogs dispatched by doggers in Gippsland alone.”
The current Wild Dog Program, which is set to expire on 1 October 2024, permits control activities on specified private land and within a 3km buffer zone on public land in the east of Victoria.
“The Government has announced five in-person and one online consultation sessions for farmers, and I am encouraging anyone who is able to attend and make the importance of this program known to do so.
“We need to send a clear message inner city ideology cannot be allowed to win out over commonsense.”
Mr O’Brien is also encouraging Gippslanders to get behind a petition launched by his colleague, The Nationals Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull available online at www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/victorias-wild-dog-program.
“The petition calls on the Labor Government to not only ensure the continuation of the Wild Dog Program but to also make publicly available the number and location of wild dogs euthanised by doggers, as well as the number of stock losses and reports made by community members in relation to wild dog attacks.”
For information on community consultation including an online webinar visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/dingo-review.