Federal government commitment needed on dog fence rebuild

Livestock SA has called on the federal government to confirm its commitment to delivering the landmark South Australian Dog Fence rebuild project.

Livestock SA President, Joe Keynes said industry and the state government had already committed to upholding their funding arrangements to ensure this major regional infrastructure project could be completed but were still waiting for the federal government to come good.

“The SA Dog Fence rebuild project is one of the most significant regional infrastructure projects to benefit the South Australian sheep industry for some time.”

“Unforeseen factors such as the Russia-Ukraine war and extreme weather events across the country saw the cost of materials and labour dramatically increase, meaning the original $25 million that was committed for the project under a unique 2:2:1 (federal government : state government : industry) funding model wasn’t enough to complete the full 1,600 kilometres.”

“With 1,000 kilometres of the fence now completed, sheep production has already returned to many areas, which has been positive for jobs and regional economies.”

“Biosecurity benefits are also being seen, but perhaps the most important benefit has been the improved wellbeing of producers through the elimination of wild dog attacks.”

“The dog fence is the backbone to other wild dog management programs in South Australia, such as the trapping program, and the ground and aerial baiting programs.”

“The project is a leading example of government and industry collaboration, but unless the federal government comes to the party the completion of the full 1,600 kilometres of fence as originally proposed is at risk. And there’s not much point building an incomplete fence.”

“At a time when many South Australian sheep producers are doing it tough dealing with challenging seasonal conditions and high feed costs, we are calling on the federal government to do its bit in this partnership and put the funding shortfall issue out of question.”

“Through the live sheep export ban process, we have heard a lot of rhetoric from the federal government about its desire to support the sheep industry. We need to see more than words.”

ENDS

Media Contact:

Hannah Trevilyan, Communications and Members Manager, 08 8297 2299