Farmers were given the opportunity to voice their concerns and discuss options at a dingo conservation and management review last week.
The sessions, hosted by Agriculture Victoria in Omeo and Gelantipy, drew many farmers and who spoke to representatives from the government, including staff from the Minister for Agriculture’s office, scientists and Agriculture Victoria staff.
Buchan landholder, Peter Sandy attended the Gelantipy session and said there were about 50 people registered.
“It was a good turnout,” Mr Sandy said.
“Before I went, I thought it was probably just some good public relations exercise for the government but it turned out a pretty good meeting with some interesting people there.
“I’m glad I went. It was a bit more positive than I thought it would be.”
East Gippsland Shire Council (EGSC) and Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, have also shown their support for farmers affected by wild dogs.
Mr Bull attended both meetings and said the farmers had sent a clear message to the Allan Labor Government and Environment Minister, Steve Dimopoulos, the program must continue unchanged.
He said the large turnouts showed the level of concern.
“Part of the problem is the data presented by the department is clearly flawed and based on flimsy research,” Mr Bull said.
“They tell us their estimate of dog numbers is 4900 based on results from 357 fixed cameras located in the bush, of which 32 recorded dogs, and then the figures were extrapolated from that.
“However, on questioning, locals were told the cameras were funded by deer control money and fixed in the general bush and not on the tracks and trails dogs use.
“They were located to record other species, but then used to determine dog numbers.
“The result is this feedback being part of a decision to determine the future of a program when the research relied on is not specific to that program.
The sessions occurred following strong advocacy from EGSC and the Agriculture Advisory Committee.
Mayor, Cr Tom Crook, wrote to the 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.
“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.
“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.
“Following last 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,” Cr Crook said.
Mr Bull said the data suggesting 100 per cent of the dogs in the bush were dingoes was also queried as it appeared this was a result of a looser classification of a dingo.
Other points made at the meeting were:
– Farmers do not want wild dogs/dingoes eradicated, just kept under control to limit stock losses around private farms.
– Farmers did not particularly care what they are called (wild dog or dingo), what matters is they kill their stock and need to be controlled.
– There was an increasing number of dogs of recent times due to a guaranteed food source from the government’s Sambar deer culling program where carcases are left in the bush, so the government is contributing to the problem of increased numbers.
– Boundary fences are not the sole answer as the government will only allow one metre of clearing next to state forest and falling branches and trees (as well as wildlife) cause fences to fail, so the government can’t have it both ways – refuse to allow clearing and then scrap the dog program.
– The removal of the ability to control dogs in the three-kilometre buffer zone will significantly impact farm viability, as it is both impossible and too late to control dogs on private property.
– The continued number of dogs being caught is proof their numbers are not in decline and controls need to be maintained.
Mr Bull said it was up to Minister Dimopoulos to listen to the feedback and continue the program unchanged.
