AgForce has applauded the State Government’s latest commitment of $6 million toward further exclusion fencing to protect Queensland’s sheep flock from wild dog predation.
Agriculture Minister Mark Furner advised guests at AgForce’s industry function on Tuesday evening that he had signed-off on the latest round of exclusion fencing projects.
AgForce’s Sheep and Wool President Alan Rae said exclusion fencing was critical to the resurgence of Queensland’s sheep and wool industry, creating employment opportunities and improving local economies.
“Exclusion fencing is a wise and effective investment in the future of Queensland’s animal agriculture and the many rural communities who rely on it,” Mr Rae said.
“Each year millions of dollars worth of livestock are killed or maimed by wild dogs.
“Western Queensland has seen a 75% drop in sheep numbers.*
“The economic, employment and social impacts of these stock losses extend well beyond the farm gate, stifling our outback towns and communities.
“Until the introduction of exclusion fencing, the negative impacts of wild dog predation were increasing in scale and area.
“Exclusion fencing, when used in tandem with existing measures like baiting and trapping, is the only truly effective solution to this growing problem.
“Previous exclusion fencing projects have resulted in lambing rates rising from 20% to 80%+, with analysis demonstrating a $3.28 return to the economies of local towns for every dollar spent by government on fencing.”
The networking function, hosted by AgForce’s corporate partner FTI Consulting, brought together the leading lights of broadacre agriculture with political and business leaders to discuss the future of the industry in Queensland.
* https://www.notjustafence.org/
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