| The Leading Sheep Central West committee is setting up a network to assist in the control of wild dogs and other predators that are negatively impacting on sheep and wool production in the region.
Central West regional committee member Bob Little is coordinating the network and keen to hear from interested producers and specialists wanting to work together to achieve better outcomes.
Mr Little, of Moonby Downs, Hughenden, aims to demonstrate a planned approach with involvement from producers, councils, AgForce and specialist and government officers in supporting wild dog and other predator control.
“The network will communicate and share information, support strategic control measures and gain new information and skills to support better outcomes for all those affected by wild dogs and other predators,” Mr Little said.
“It will provide an option for producers to report to a nominated person in all areas where wild dogs and other predators are active and to record the type and frequency of activity.
“Producers will be able to estimate approximate numbers of stock lost and maimed, record when and where all control programs are carried out, how extensive they are and what control method was used.”
Mr Little said network members wanted to research and access funding opportunities, and ensure that financial support was responsibly spent in areas that would have a positive impact on wild dog and predator control.
Additionally, the network aims to support producers in upgrading their skills to enhance opportunities to control wild dogs and other predators by providing trapping schools, and awareness and use of new products and methods.
“Where possible, we want to secure and use high-impact control strategies which will enable continued diversity for rural communities, their industries and native wildlife,” Mr Little said.
To be involved in the network, interested parties can contact Mr Little on 07 4741 1532 or by email litmoon@bigpond.com or Leading Sheep Central West coordinator Jenny Keogh on 07 4657 5983 or email amaroo6@bigpond.com.
Leading Sheep is an Australian Wool Innovation project in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and supported by AgForce, which targets the adoption of new technologies and practices to increase the productivity and profitability of the Queensland wool industry.
For more information about Leading Sheep, visit www.leadingsheep.com.au
Released by Leading Sheep communications coordinator Jane Milburn 0408 787 964
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