Federal plans to subsidise the rebuilding of the nation's largest dog-proof fence has been slammed by Riverina farmers as short-sighted.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Extending across much of South Australia, the PIRSA dog fence measures 5400km from the Great Australian Bight to the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range.
The portion to be replaced stretches up to 1600km, which is the relative driving distance from Wagga to Rockhampton in Queensland.
It is the longest in the world, but with little overlap into NSW, it does little to improve the wild dog problem in the Riverina.
"Our dog problem is a national problem, and it's getting worse," said Talbingo farmer Beryl Ryan.
Together with husband Michael Ryan, the couple has managed the Boraig Station for two decades.
Bordered by Kosciuszko National Park, they have been so plagued by the presence of wild dogs that in 22 years on the property, this is the first time they have raised enough lambs to sell.
Related:
Currently experimenting with a variety of trapping and baiting techniques, the Ryans have also begun negotiations with the Local Land Services to install their own exclusion fence.
Measuring 6km long and six feet high, it will create a barrier to the national park.
While the total cost is yet to be determined, even with some help from the LLS, the Ryans are confident it will likely cost up to $70,000 of their own savings.
"It's a big job, it's a big thing, and it's not to be sneezed at, but it will be expensive," Mrs Ryan said.
"We have 50 lambs right now, and we've got lambing ewes. Around here, that's unheard of, so we're not about to relax yet.
"At the moment, we've been able to sell 80 lambs. That hasn't happened in 22 years."
Under the plans announced last week by the federal coalition, the cost of replacing the century-old fencing in South Australia will be footed by both the state and national governments.
With each earmarking $10million towards the project, an additional $5million will come from the agriculture industry.
The federal government's contributions may also be accounted for under the budget provisions of the Drought Future Fund.
But Mrs Ryan has criticised the plans for lacking the uniformity needed to make a difference to the situation.
Sandwiched between the Gilmore, Adjungbilly and Goobarragandra regions, differing land management strategies directly affect the property.
"The Brindabella area is having big problems with wild dogs," Mrs Ryan said.
"They're under the South East Dog Plan, which has fallen in a big heap.
"There needs to be more funding for control. A couple million towards pest exclusion fences [nationwide] will go a long way to help.
Noting the controversies over poison ground trapping, Mrs Ryan said the nation's laws need to be brought into line, to allow for responsible baiting to take place.
"They're talking about banning 1080 [baits], that would cripple us. It's a necessary evil, but there needs to be a way to make sure everyone is doing it right, doing it the same way," she said.
"I would like to see some legislation that would [give assurance] that 1080 would not be banned."
Read more:
Want to read the stories that cover the issues, people and places that matter to regional Australia? Sign up to receive a daily email with a curated view of the federal election from across regional Australia.