A $1 million Australian Government investment towards the construction of wild dog exclusion fencing in Western Australia will help boost farmer incomes and create jobs.
Agriculture Minister David Littleproud says the Western Australian Esperance Extension to the State Barrier Fence Project will be vital infrastructure for the State's agricultural and regional economies.
"The $1 million being provided to the Western Australian Government will ensure the delivery of a 183-kilometre segment of wild dog exclusion fencing," Minister Littleproud said.
"This is a critical link as part of the total 660-kilometre Esperance Extension project.
"The funding will assist pastoralists, producers and farmers to increase productivity in sheep and other grazing operations, by reducing the impacts of wild dogs and the need for wild dog management activities on their properties.
"The project will stimulate economic activity in Western Australian pastoral communities, creating additional jobs and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people and remote communities.
"The purchase of fencing materials and other activities to support construction will also help to kick-start local economies as they emerge out of COVID-19."
The Australian Government's $1 million Esperance Extension commitment is being provided through the $30.3 million Established Pest Animals and Weeds Pipeline Program.
"This is in addition to the $956,000 already provided to the Esperance and Ravensthorpe shires under the first round of the Communities Combating Pests and Weed Impacts During Drought Program.
The total project is expected to cost $11.5 million, with the Western Australian Government contributing approximately $7 million along with further funding and support from the Shire's of Esperance and Ravensthorpe.
"This funding announced today adds to the Australian Government's $54 million total investment in wild dog management since 2014 15," Minister Littleproud said.
"The Australian Government is working with Western Australia to ensure the State's farmers are given every possible opportunity to grow their incomes."
The majority of the 183 kilometres of fencing is to be erected by 30 June 2021, with completion of the total 660-kilometre project expected in June 2023.
