On Friday (July 20 2018) at Numeralla Hall about 100 farmers and families from Braidwood and Monaro met to express their outrage with the announcement of changes to South East Local Land Services policy on wild dog control.

The proposed changes were instigated without consultation or engagement with the community and, as exposed at the meeting, without ratification of the elected Board, who represent farmers.

The Local Land Services announcement identified the key drivers for the change:

• The introduction of the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and its regulatory obligations under the Act
• A directive from the Department of Industry that services like this must be done on a cost recovery basis and must not negatively impact the private market
• The launch of the South East Regional Pest Animal Management Plan (RSPAMP) and its function under the plan as a strategic lead rather than an operator.

Currently there are six full time Pest Animal Controllers (PACs). They used to be known as ‘doggers’. These highly regarded and skilled people would still be retained but under a different arrangement if the proposal was to be implemented. Instead of carrying out on the ground dog control on both private and public land they would be monitoring and investigating, providing training and support under the RSPAMP, providing expert advice for on ground pest control services and supporting NPWS and land managers in the transition.

If that sounds ‘airy fairy’ it gets worse. These ‘farmers’ friends’ would actually be tasked with monitoring farmers’ dog control and deciding if the farmer is doing enough to meet their obligations under the new Biosecurity Act and how to penalise the farmer if their efforts are found wanting.

Local land holder, Paul Scammell summed it up when he said, “This announcement flags the withdrawal of South East Local Land Services from all wild dog trapping and active control measures in what appears to be a blatant attempt to ultimately shift the total responsibility for the cost and administration of wild dog control on private land onto farmers.”

Adding, “The Government’s own research has conclusively proven that the wild dog breeding grounds in the south east region lie exclusively with Crown lands (National Parks and State Forests) and for the last 30 years the Government has been running the world’s largest wild dog breeding program on the pretext of protecting the East Coast Dingo. Having established and nurtured this wild dog population it now appears that the Government is attempting to avoid its obligations to control wild dog attacks on livestock by shifting the responsibility, administration and costs onto farmers, the very same population that suffers the effects of predation by the dogs bred on Crown lands.”

Farmer, Michael McGrath said, “Through our rates to LLS we pay a pest levy and stock rates and are in no way responsible for the existence of those wild dogs. The reasons given for ceasing any trapping work are unsatisfactory and inadequate and the suggested approach of every wild dog group employing its own trapper who will have limited access on private lands and no access to National Parks makes a mockery of any claims by LLS to support a continued nil tenure approach to wild dog control. That will be reflected in more dog attacks on livestock.”

John Barilaro, Local Member/Deputy Premier stepped in on the day of the Numeralla meeting. In a press announcement he said, “Following the announcement by SELLS that they would step back from wild dog management, the NSW Government has intervened. I can announce today that the proposal put forward by LLS will not go ahead.”

“There will be a shift towards proactive trapping, and LLS will work with landholders in coming weeks to ensure these trapping operations are targeted at the areas where wild dog problems are the worst.”

He further said, “The NSW Government will appoint a regional wild dog co-ordinator-general to oversee wild dog operations in the region. Under the new interim nil-tenure approach, this coordinator-general will have the authority to direct any government agency on wild dog management and will be the chief point of contact for these agencies.”

“From here, LLS will coordinate a 10-day destruction blitz in the south east and adjoining regions during August-September. On a monthly basis, the LLS will report directly to the Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair and myself until we are confident things are working as they should,” Mr Barilaro said.

It was an embarrassing meeting for LLS who were represented by General Manager of South East LLS, Anthony Marshall and Chief Executive Officer of LLS, David Witherdin. They were subjected to intense questioning. David Witherdin said, “We apologise for getting this to where it is. We are going to do better and the PACs will continue in their present roles.”

Although the outcome looks positive for farmers there are many who are still sceptical of performances and promises made by LLS.

Anthony Marshall, General Manager South East LLS and David Witherdin, CEO LLS facing farmers questions at the Numeralla Meeting

The result of wild dog attacks are shocking to see and heart-wrenching for farmers. One Monaro farmer lost nearly 500 sheep in 18 months.