- McGowan Government welcomes Shire of Esperance funding contribution to the State Barrier Fence Esperance Extension
- $6.9 million in State Government funding committed to the project
- McGowan Government calls on Federal Government to fill the remaining funding gap
The Federal Government must show its support for Western Australian farmers and commit to joining State and local governments in funding the State Barrier Fence Esperance Extension.
The McGowan Government has committed $6.9 million to the 660-kilometre fence extension, which will help farmers in Esperance and Ravensthorpe to fight off the scourge of wild dogs.
Last week, the Shire of Esperance agreed to commit $1.5 million to the project. Alongside a $280,000 funding commitment from the Shire of Ravensthorpe, all that is remaining is a $2.5 million funding gap to complete the project.
The Federal Government is yet to commit a single cent to the fence extension.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"We welcome the Shire of Esperance's funding commitment and praise the continued efforts of the Esperance Biosecurity Association in fighting to get this project over the line.
"Our Government has locked in $6.9 million because we see how important the fence extension is for farmers in Esperance and surrounds.
"Earlier this month, Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said he wanted to 'stop these pests in their tracks, especially wild dogs' - a fence is a pretty good start.
"State and local governments are putting more than $8.6 million into this project, and it is a great opportunity for the Federal Government to stump up some funds to support our farmers."
