DINGOES

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:04): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation a question about the soaring dingo numbers in northern South Australia.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: The Stock Journal on 1 August reported that pastoralists south of the dog fence are reeling from soaring dingo numbers. The member for Stuart in the other place stated on 23 July that numbers were getting out of control because of a series of good seasons resulting in thriving native animals and pests, such as rabbits, cats and foxes. The member for Stuart confirmed that the animals could reach epidemic proportions in northern South Australia. He continued:

Unfortunately, we are getting to a stage where they are breeding below the dog fence faster than they can be controlled. If we do not get onto this issue, we will not have a sheep industry in South Australia—sheep for meat or sheep for wool.

Retired chairman of the Outback Areas Community Development Trust and Outback Communities Authority, Mr Bill McIntosh AO, met with Mr van Holst Pellekaan and suggested formulating a working group of pastoralists representing the geography below the fence. My questions are:

1. What recent consultations has the minister had with the local pastoralists in northern South Australia?

2. How will the minister address the problem and ensure the growth in the numbers of dingoes is controlled?

3. What solutions have the minister and his department organised to prevent the growing numbers of dingoes?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (15:06): I thank the honourable member for her most important questions. I am told that dingo numbers have increased in rangeland areas south of the dog fence in recent years. In response to this, the South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board has led a series of projects aimed at improving dingo control. In particular, the South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board Biteback dingo control program has been highly successful, and I am pleased to advise that the program will now continue for a further three years, following renewed funding of $286,500 from the South Australian Sheep Industry Fund.

I am advised that Biteback targets dingoes inside the dog fence by coordinating and supporting 22 local wild dog planning groups south of the dog fence to tackle wild dogs across the landscape. Biteback has resulted in a substantial increase in landholder participation rates across the landscape. I am advised, in fact I am told, that since the introduction of Biteback there has been a fourfold increase in the number of properties participating in ground baiting.

There have also been improvements in the participation of landholders in aerial baiting. Biosecurity SA led the delivery of a dingo aerial baiting program in the South Australian Arid Lands NRM region, from 29 April to 7 May this year, involving 88 pastoral landholders. The program delivered 44,200 baits over an 8,600 kilometre flight path across the rangelands south of the dog fence. I am advised that feedback from landholders in the pastoral regions affected by dingoes has been positive, highlighting that the first three years of Biteback have improved landholder understanding of dingo control and provided additional management tools for them.

Three regional workshops at Olary, Blinman and Glendambo were held during the middle of last year to evaluate the aerial baiting trial. I am pleased to advise that participants were universally supportive of the program. Biosecurity SA, in collaboration with the Department of Health and DEWNR, provides oversight and implements statewide protocols for the safe preparation, use and storage of bait. Landholders must comply with these protocols.

I am advised that the bait injection service provided to landholders twice a year has been boosted by the installation of 14 freezers to help ensure a continual supply of baits to landowners year round. I am also advised that recent upgrades to the dog fence have been undertaken and that these works have included 24 kilometres of additional fencing. This will ensure that our dog fence continues to protect our regional communities and the sheep industries south of the fence from dingoes.

I am told that a national wild dog action plan has been drafted and public consultation is currently underway. I am also told that Biosecurity SA is convening a regional meeting in Port Augusta to seek advice from stakeholders on South Australian priorities and appropriate governance for implementing the national plan in South Australia. Following this meeting, a state wild dog advisory group will be established to develop an appropriate process for putting the plan into action in South Australia.

In addition to this, the government is currently working on a long-term strategy for dingo management. Biosecurity SA is leading the development of the state-managed dingo management strategy, which I am advised is planned to go out for public consultation later in the year.