Autumn 2019 Taking Control

Support, information and resources for individuals and communities impacted by wild dogs

Above: National Wild Dog Facilitator, Greg Mifsud, at the Benambra Wild Dog Management Zone workshop Credit: Mick Freeman

WDMZ workshops are the key planning tool used to Wild Dog Management Zone determine the works program for the proactive wild (WDMZ) workshops held dog program on public land. They report on the previous year’s work delivery on public land and the throughout Gippsland, the coordinated community baiting programs that take Hume and the North-west place throughout autumn and spring in wild dog- affected locations.

Key planning tool to determine the on- This year’s WDMZ workshops saw the exchange of ground works for wild dog control on both valuable information about issues relating to wild dogs. National Wild Dog Facilitator, Greg Mifsud, spoke about public and private land the proven benefits of the ongoing collective effort of all land managers to manage the impacts of wild dogs, WDMZ workshops were held from late February through while Wild Dog Controllers (WDCs) gave presentations to early April across the Gippsland, Hume and North- on local wild dog management. west regions. Other speakers and topics included Agriculture The WDMZ meetings are the community’s opportunity (drought assistance and lamb management), to provide valuable local information about wild dog Shire rangers and Victoria Police. The Australian Wool activity in their area, comment on last year’s area plan Innovation Community Wild Dog Control Coordinators and assist in the development of next year’s area plan. (CWDCCs) also presented at the workshops.

Almost 300 people attended the workshops which were Final maps of the proposed management works will be held in shearing sheds, Country Fire Authority sheds, sent to workshop participants as well as those known to community halls, Department of Environment, Land, be impacted by wild dogs. Maps will also be available at Water and Planning (DELWP) offices and footy sheds. DELWP offices in mid-2019.

delwp.vic.gov.au Autumn 2019

“As soon as you realise an animal has gotten out or - there is a short, call your local WDC so we can arrange to get it fixed up,” says Ian. fence runs again A working bee to tackle another part of the fence is planned for later in the year. If you are interested in participating or would like to construct or repair a Power source re-located from community wild dog exclusion fence in your area, Hindleton to Granya. contact your local WDC or CWDCC. Their contact details are listed on the back page. A working bee involving landholders, WDCs and employees from Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and DELWP has ensured the wild dog exclusion fence running between Tallangatta and Granya can run at full capacity by re-locating the power source from Fact sheets available Hindleton to the Granya area. The 30 kilometre long exclusion fence was constructed The CWDCCs are putting in 1984 as a joint effort between landholders and the state government to prevent wild dogs accessing farm together a series of fact sheets land from adjacent bushland. It worked successfully for that give landholders access to many years but parts of the fence deteriorated as properties changed hands. information, resources and practical advice regarding wild Senior WDC, Ian Campbell, believes that landholders who don’t have animals or livestock often don’t under- dog control. stand how valuable the fence is to their neighbours, or how important it is to keep it in good order. The first fact sheet outlines the type of support that is available and how to access it. The second, which has “The fence is one of our main tools against wild dogs been developed with WDCs in both Hume and - when it’s working, nothing can get through it,” he says. Gippsland, the National Wild Dog Action Plan and the “Many landholders don’t realise that wild dogs kill calves Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, contains and large numbers of native animals as well as sheep. practical tips for getting the most out of your ground So, it’s important for all landholders to be vigilant and baiting program. report any signs of wild dog activity on or around their property to their local WDC.” The fact sheets will be available from WDCs, CWDCCs, The WDCs check the fence on their baiting and trapping DELWP offices and at field days. More fact sheets will be runs and urge other landholders to do the same. available over the coming months.

Above: Participants at the Tallangatta - Granya exclusion fence working bee Credit: Lucy-anne Cobby

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Keep your foot on the Fencing field days pedal to stay on top of kick-off in the Hume the wild dog problem Industry support for landholders. Reductions in wild dog activity The Wild Dog Program is partnering with the Gallagher and Waratah fencing companies to provide practical need to be maintained. demonstrations of effective fencing for landholders impacted by wild dogs. Areas with active community wild dog control groups are reporting a noticeable reduction in stock losses and Two field days have already been run in Gippsland this wild dog activity, proving that coordinated programs year, and the first Hume event was held on 9 January at targeting public and private land and involving many Tex Pearce’s grazing property at Mudgegonga. landholders are the key to effective wild dog control. Fifty people attended the Mudgegonga field day However, to stay on top of the wild dog problem, which was catered for by DELWP. Representatives from communities must continue to be proactive and Gallagher demonstrated a stretch of Westonfence© participate in control programs. they had erected earlier, and discussed its benefits in controlling wild dogs and other pests such as deer. Gippsland CWDCC, Brian Dowley, refers to research that shows that as the wild dog threat subsides, people relax Hume CWDCC, Lucy-anne Cobby, says the feedback and participation in control programs declines. from participants was excellent, and that another field day is planned for the Upper Murray in the near future. “This results in fewer baits being laid, less trapping and inadequate maintenance of exclusion fencing which Anyone interested in attending the Upper Murray field gives wild dogs the opportunity to re-establish day, or hosting a field day should contact Lucy-anne on themselves,” he warns. (02) 6043 7900, 0429 079 131 or at [email protected]. Help and support available

Brian and the other AWI-funded CWDCCs are available to help communities devise effective strategies for addressing the wild dog problem.

The CWDCCs can coordinate 1080 baiting programs, discuss available control strategies and organise field events and training on topics like fencing, trapping, baiting and the use of field cameras.

See the back page for the CWDCCs’ contact details.

Above left and right: Gallagher Fencing representatives demonstrating electric fencing at Mudgegonga Credit: Tim Enshaw

Taking Control Autumn 2019 3 Autumn 2019

How effective are wild Thieving hinders dog control activities? wild dog control

This is a question that only those The theft of traps, field cameras experiencing wild dog attacks and other equipment is can assist Agriculture Victoria to preventing WDCs from carrying answer. Therefore, if you report a out their control work. wild dog incident to a WDC in the More than 150 traps are stolen each year and in a next few months, you may be recent event, seven field cameras went missing from the asked to participate in a survey. Hume area. As well as putting nearby livestock at risk, the act of Initial data analysis indicates that Wild Dog Program interference can significantly reduce the effectiveness control activities, including aerial and ground-based of the site for trapping or monitoring in the future. baiting and trapping, have had a positive impact in reducing livestock attacks by wild dogs over the last Stealing is a criminal offence. If you have any four years. information about these thefts, please contact your local WDC and the police. Agriculture Victoria is now seeking more data to better inform future analyses and allow the relative benefits of control activities to be evaluated and quantified.

This includes information about on-farm management Victorian wild dog practices including livestock husbandry and control activities that may reduce or increase the risk of wild control statistics dog attacks. The results will be used to help target and deploy the right mix of control techniques in the future. 1 July 2018 - 31 March 2019 If you report a wild dog incident to a WDC in the next few months, you may be asked to participate in the • 418 wild dog reports were made to WDCs; research. With your consent, you will be contacted by a survey company to complete a short and confidential • WDCs trapped or shot 467 wild dogs; telephone questionnaire which is expected to take 10-15 minutes. • WDCs laid 8,782 1080 baits, of which 2,671 baits were taken; There will be a follow-up phone survey before June. If this pilot project proves successful, further quarterly • Community wild dog control groups laid more than surveys will take place to track changes in 7,146 1080 baits; management practices. • 3,981 baits were laid by aerial baiting. Agriculture Victoria would like to encourage you to participate in the survey and thanks you in advance for your help. Wild dog awareness

Your stock can tell you if there is a wild dog nearby

If you notice that grazing patterns or mob sizes - which Bounty collection become established shortly after stock enter a new paddock - have changed, try to identify the cause of schedule the disturbance.

The collection schedule for the wild dog and fox bounty When you enter a paddock, the stock should be is available at http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/ focused on you. If one or more animals repeatedly pests-diseases-and-weeds/pest-animals/fox-bounty/ look in another direction, try to identify the cause of collection-schedule/statewide. the distraction.

4 Taking Control Autumn 2019 Taking Control

Preparing for this Get and keep more lambing season lambs on the ground

The timing and location of John Bowman, from Agriculture lambing are important factors Victoria’s Gippsland Meat and in the development of WDMZ Wool Team, shared valuable plans and community tips for increasing conception, baiting programs. lambing and weaner survival at some of the WDMZ workshops. To maximise survival rates, wild dog and fox control should be carried out around paddocks earmarked for These tips are available at the following websites: lambing at least three weeks before lambing is due to begin. Control activities should be continued for a • www.lifetimewool.com.au/index.aspx similar, if not longer, period after lambing ends. • agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/beef- If you do not already have your own control plan, or are and-sheep-networks not involved in community baiting, speak to your local WDC about a suitable course of action. • www.mla.com.au/extension-training-and-tools/ making-more-from-sheep/

Above: Act now to get and keep more lambs on the ground this season Credit: Jillian Staton

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Senior WDC Localities Contact

Cooryong, , Nariel, Lucyvale, Cudgewa, Tintaldra, Walwa, Ian Campbell Burrowye, Shelley, Mt Alfred, Tallangatta, , Granya, Tallangatta 0409 188 465 Valley, Mitta Valley, Sandy Creek, Gundowring

Mansfield, Merrijig, Jamieson, Alexandra, Yea, Molesworth, Myrtleford, Matt Beach 0458 391 770 Bright, Mt Beauty, Whitfield, Cheshunt

Bairnsdale, Dargo, Omeo, Benambra, Swift’s Creek, Ensay, Ellinbank, Dwayne Needham 0429 667 868 Gembrook, Noojee, Heyfield, Licola, Maffra

Buchan, Gelantipy, Orbost, Cann River, Bonang, Bendoc, Tubbut, Geoff Hodge 0427 321 312 Deddick

Tim Mayr Big Desert, Wyperfeld (03) 5051 4342

Scott McLean Big Desert, Wyperfeld (03) 5051 4362

CWDCC Region Contact

(02) 6043 7900 Lucy-anne Cobby Hume 0429 079 131 [email protected]

(03) 5152 0626 Brian Dowley Gippsland 0408 436 600 [email protected]

(03) 5161 1352 Mick Freeman Gippsland 0477 358 061 [email protected]

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