Agriculture Victoria has hosted well-attended sessions in Omeo and Gelantipy this week as part of its 'dingo conservation and management review', following strong advocacy from East Gippsland Shire Council and the Agriculture Advisory Committee.
Mayor Cr Tom Crook wrote to Minister for Agriculture the Hon. Ros Spence MP last month on behalf of Council's Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee, seeking clarity on the Victorian Government's intentions and future strategies for wild dog control.
"Over recent months there has been significant uncertainty and unease within our farming community regarding the continuation of contracts for wild dog controllers. The lack of clarity has led to confusion and frustration among those who are directly impacted by wild dog predation," Cr Crook said.
The Agriculture Sector Advisory Committee provides valuable insights and advice on matters related to or effecting the agricultural sector in the shire. At both the May and August meetings of the Committee, wild dog management was discussed at length.
"It is the view of our advisory committee that wild dog predation poses a significant threat to livestock and agricultural livelihoods in rural areas," Cr Crook said.
"The effective management of wild dog populations is seen as a critical element of ongoing government investment in land management, and essential for the protection of farming businesses.
"The repercussions of inadequate wild dog control extend beyond economic losses for individual farmers. As the livelihoods of many families are closely tied to agriculture, any threats to their well-being directly affects the fabric of our communities. Council is committed to ensure the voice of our communities is heard and duly considered in decisions which impact their lives."
Current arrangements in place throughout East Gippsland are working well and farmers place a high value on the program.
Prior to the scheduling of the sessions in Omeo and Gelantipy, Cr Crook had alerted the Minister to the inadequate engagement with the agricultural sector, given the widespread impacts of any change.
On behalf of the advisory committee and impacted producers, Council has sought clarification on:
• The Government's current and future strategy for wild dog control in East Gippsland, and if the Government intends to continue with the existing appointment of wild dog controllers.
• The measures being taken to ensure transparency and community engagement in decisions related to wild dog management. This includes if the Government is willing to provide information about new research on dingoes and any implications this may have for the way wild dogs are managed.
• How the Government plans to mitigate the flow-on impacts of wild dog predation on small rural communities, including support (financial assistance for exclusion fencing) for affected farmers and what compensation for stock losses is being considered (if the unprotection order on wild dogs is lifted).
"We have asked the Government to prioritise effective and transparent wild dog management strategies that consider the needs and concerns of local communities in East Gippsland," Cr Crook said.
"Such measures would foster a sense of trust and cooperation between government authorities and rural stakeholders.
"We appreciate the desire to balance any future Dingo conservation efforts with the impacts they or other wild dogs cause to farmers but also understand that local producers draw little distinction between predators emanating from public land that impact private property and livestock.
"Following this week's sessions in East Gippsland we hope the Victorian Government will now respond to these very legitimate concerns to ensure that our livestock industry remains viable."
