Queensland Co-Investment in the National Wild Dog Action Plan and National Wild Dog Management Coordinator

The Hon Anthony Perrett MP

Minister for Primary Industries

1 William Street

BRISBANE QLD 4000

By email: primaryindustries@ministerial.qld.gov.au

 

Dear Minister Perrett,

 

Re: Queensland Co-Investment in the National Wild Dog Action Plan and National Wild Dog Management Coordinator

AgForce Queensland writes to seek the Queensland Government co-investment of approximately $30,000 per annum for five years, to support the continuation of the National Wild Dog Action Plan (2020-2030) and the National Wild Dog Management Coordinator.

Queensland producers have experienced severe impacts from wild dogs. Cattle, Sheep and Goat producers are all impacted with wild dogs preying on calves, kids and lambs after birthing. Predation can cause massive losses, particuarly to sheep and goat producers and in heavily affected areas make running these enterprises unviable.

The National Wild Dog Action Plan (NWDAP) and the National Wild Dog Management Coordinator have been central to improving wild dog management outcomes in Queensland, delivering practical, on-ground results thought direct engagement with producer groups, local government and public land managers. The coordinator is the longest serving member of the Queensland Wild Dog Offensive Group and has played a significant role in developing the state strategies, legislation and policy around wild dog management.

Through national coordination and collaboration with AgForce, government and regional organisations, the NWDAP and Coordinator have supported:

• The Queensland Wild Dog Control Coordinators Project, delivering coordinated regional control across multiple areas
• The establishment and strengthening of wild dog management committees
• Adoption of best practice wild dog management tools and techniques
• Improved monitoring, reporting and strategic targeting, leading to more efficient and effective control
• Access to up to date research on wild dog and predator management from across Australia to inform policy development and management programs

This work has directly translated into stronger participation, better coordination and improved control outcomes across Queensland regions.

Queensland has also led the nation in large-scale exclusion and cluster fencing. The National Wild Dog Management Coordinator has played a critical role in supporting the strategic planning of these initiatives, ensuring fencing is integrated with ongoing control operations rather than treated as a standalone solution.

Queensland experience clearly demonstrates that coordinated, landscape-scale management delivers far better outcomes than fragmented approaches. The economic case is compelling. Independent analysis of wild dog management investment has identified benefitcost ratios in the range of 6:1 to 16:1, with similar returns expected under the current NWDAP (2020-2030).

With all this in mind, AgForce strongly urges the Queensland Government to:

1. Commit $30,000 per annum to support the National Wild Dog Action Plan and National Wild Dog Management Coordinator
2. Continue aligning Queensland programs with the NWDAP framework
3. Support national coordination as essential infrastructure for effective wild dog management

This is a practical, evidence-based investment that delivers clear returns to Queensland producers, communities and the broader economy, that are aligned with the Prosper 2050 objectives to increase productivity of Queensland Agricultural sector.

If you have any questions orrequire further information please contact Alexander Desses, Sheep, Wool and Goats Policy Director by email dessesa@agforceqld.org.au or via phone at 0428 889 052.

Sincerely,

Shane McCarthy
General President
AgForce Queensland