❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses wild dog control measures, including the state barrier fence extension and bounty programs, in the Esperance region. The Minister acknowledges the need for integrated control methods and highlights environmental assessments.
AnsweredQoN 228Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
WILD DOGS — STATE BARRIER FENCE
228. Hon RICK MAZZA to the Minister for Agriculture and
Food:
I
refer to the proposal to extend the state barrier fence by 660 kilometres to
protect Esperance livestock from wild dogs.
(1) Does the minister agree that further on-the-ground
action is required to comprehensively deal with wild dogs?
(2) If yes to
(1), what would further on-the-ground action entail; and, if no to (1), why
not?
(3) Is the
minister aware of the success of the 2014 wild dog bounty trial in Western Australia
in which 505 bounties were collected in a relatively short time?
(4) Do any
possible environmental impacts of the state barrier fence extension outweigh
the damage caused by wild dogs, emus and kangaroos in the Esperance region?
228. Hon RICK MAZZA to the Minister for Agriculture and
Food:
I
refer to the proposal to extend the state barrier fence by 660 kilometres to
protect Esperance livestock from wild dogs.
(1) Does the minister agree that further on-the-ground
action is required to comprehensively deal with wild dogs?
(2) If yes to
(1), what would further on-the-ground action entail; and, if no to (1), why
not?
(3) Is the
minister aware of the success of the 2014 wild dog bounty trial in Western Australia
in which 505 bounties were collected in a relatively short time?
(4) Do any
possible environmental impacts of the state barrier fence extension outweigh
the damage caused by wild dogs, emus and kangaroos in the Esperance region?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question.
(1) Yes. Best practice wild dog
control uses integrated control methods on a landscape scale.
(2) A predator
and pest control management plan has been developed as part of the
Environmental Protection Authority's assessment process of the state
barrier fence Esperance extension proposal. This document outlines the
management measures to be implemented if the proposal progresses.
(3) This question
was asked by the honourable member on 15 June 2017. I am aware of the trial. In
the past, especially the recent past, the government has trialled wild dog
bounties. Independent evaluation of bounties found that they were an
inefficient use of wild dog control funds. I am happy to provide a copy of that
evaluation to the member and to consider any alternative interpretation of the
evidence that the member might have.
(4) The proposed
Esperance extension fence alignment was determined following detailed
assessment and mapping of environmental and cultural values. This has included
extensive environmental and cultural heritage surveys undertaken in accordance
with the relevant commonwealth and state policy, and legislation. The
Environmental Protection Authority is currently assessing the potential
environmental impacts of the proposal. The Department of Primary Industries and
Regional Development does not consider the project will have any significant
environmental impacts and will address any issues raised by the EPA as
appropriate.
(1) Yes. Best practice wild dog
control uses integrated control methods on a landscape scale.
(2) A predator
and pest control management plan has been developed as part of the
Environmental Protection Authority's assessment process of the state
barrier fence Esperance extension proposal. This document outlines the
management measures to be implemented if the proposal progresses.
(3) This question
was asked by the honourable member on 15 June 2017. I am aware of the trial. In
the past, especially the recent past, the government has trialled wild dog
bounties. Independent evaluation of bounties found that they were an
inefficient use of wild dog control funds. I am happy to provide a copy of that
evaluation to the member and to consider any alternative interpretation of the
evidence that the member might have.
(4) The proposed
Esperance extension fence alignment was determined following detailed
assessment and mapping of environmental and cultural values. This has included
extensive environmental and cultural heritage surveys undertaken in accordance
with the relevant commonwealth and state policy, and legislation. The
Environmental Protection Authority is currently assessing the potential
environmental impacts of the proposal. The Department of Primary Industries and
Regional Development does not consider the project will have any significant
environmental impacts and will address any issues raised by the EPA as
appropriate.
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