The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says the Victorian Government’s decision to extend the unprotection order for dingoes is a common sense move that will ensure farmers are equipped with the tools needed to protect their livestock.
VFF President Emma Germano said the decision follows months of sustained advocacy by farmers to ensure the welfare of livestock in the face of wild dog attacks is balanced with the need for dingo conversation.
“This is a sorely needed win for common sense.”
“Farmers are breathing a huge sigh of relief and I would like to thank Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence and Minister for Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos for listening to us. It has been an enormous effort by farmers, industry and everyone involved to have their say and make a difference.”
“Farmers and local communities now have greater certainty when it comes to wild dog control methods and that lifts a huge burden from their shoulders.”
“Moving forward, we will be making of point of to working with traditional owners and conservationists to help ensure we reach mutual ground on issues like this,” Ms Germano said.
Ms Germano added that work remains to be done regarding the earlier announced lifting of the unprotection order in Victoria’s north west and the government’s consultation on the issue.
“Farmers in Victoria’s north west are still exposed to the horrors inflicted by wild dogs on their livestock and we are working to reach a workable solution as soon as possible.”
“The stories I’ve been hearing from local farmers in that area is tragic and I hope the decision in the north east could be a light at the end of the tunnel for farmers in our north west.”
“We’re seeking a much clearer process and timeframe on all decisions like these. We could have avoided so much angst and worry with a much better consultative roadmap.”
“Solutions such as the reinstatement of the Wild Dogs Advisory Committee is a place for all stakeholders to come together and it would be hugely beneficial moving forward,” Ms Germano said.