PRODUCERS are encouraged to submit their expressions of interest to the Maranoa Regional Council and Balonne Shire Council as they look to establish a cluster exclusion fence servicing both local government areas.
The initiative will be part of the state’s Barrier Fence to Border Collaborative Area Management Project, meaning affected land would preferably need to be bordering both council areas.
Interested landholder groups located within the region and ‘inside’ (south of) the Wild Dog Barrier Fence will undergo a “competitive application process” to select successful applicants who will receive funding for half of the material costs, limited at $2700/km.
Applications will be assessed by elected members, wild dog chairpersons and an industry representative on merit and eligibility in accordance with the specified criteria with priority given to groups that cross-over the council boundaries.
Maranoa Councillor and Rural Services Portfolio Chair Wendy Newman said it was an important opportunity for landholders to work together in the fight against wild dogs.
“With wild dog numbers continually on the rise, constructing a wild dog barrier fence is a critical step forward in drastically reducing this pests’ impact on rural livelihoods,” she said.
For copies of the Cluster Fencing Guide and Application/Expression of Interest Form contact the council’s Environmental Health, Waste and Rural Land Service on 1300 007 662 or email land.management@maranoa.qld.gov.au.
Applications close at noon on October 6.