Seventy-seven kilometres of new or reinforced fencing will be erected across East Gippsland to protect livestock from wild dogs.
Federal Government is providing $343,000 in rebates towards the cost of installing 35 kilometres of new fences and upgrading 42 kilometres of existing fencing to protect cattle, sheep and other farm animals.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said 32 landowners had successfully applied for a share of the Federal Government rebates to meet half the cost of the fencing work.
In April this year, Mr Chester announced the rebates would be available with East Gippsland Shire Council co-ordinating its allocation.
“These rebates will help to build or improve fencing to guard against wild dogs and other predators in and around Bendoc, Gelantipy, Buchan, Tubbut, Nowa Nowa, Omeo, Benambra, Swifts Creek, Ensay, Tambo Crossing and Glenaladale,” Mr Chester said.
“Our producers have a difficult job to protect their farms from pest animals, particularly during dry conditions.
“Stock losses have increased because wild dogs have been drawn onto farms as the drought conditions in the bush impacts their normal feeding habits.”
Mr Chester said the rebate program had an added benefit of supporting local businesses.
“These fence construction projects will also help local suppliers as the fencing materials are sourced through local agribusiness outlets,” Mr Chester said. “I also expect there will be a welcome boost in work for fencing and cartage contractors.”
The funding is being provided through the Federal Government’s Communities Combating Pests and Weed Impacts During Drought Program – Biosecurity Management of Pests and Weeds.
