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With more watering points in pastoral areas and a greater urban interface in the agricultural zones, wild dogs are encroaching on the sheep and cattle industries across the country.



To combat this problem, AWI funds and co-funds wild dog coordinators in each state where sheep and wool producers are affected by wild dog attacks to support landholders and communities.



Last week these coordinators, along with other state and territory coordinators, met in Toowoomba, QLD, for a three-day workshop and skills update.



The workshop shared regional updates and developments in R&D, communications and community engagement skills, knowledge and experience and developing, implementing and evaluating local and regional pest animal management plans.



Although each region had their specific challenges, across the country the biggest challenge for controlling wild dogs is the sustained engagement of landholders and the community.



Greg Mifsud, the National Wild Dog Management Coordinator with the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, said that a sustained, collaborative approach was needed.



“It is the cooperation between groups involved in the issue that ensures the success of wild dog control.



“This includes the collaboration between landholders, whether they be livestock or other, with government, council, and the community and industry groups in the region.



“By creating and fostering this network of engaged and active participation, wild dog control can be achieved.”



Ian Evans, AWI͛s Program Manager, Vertebrate Pests, said the three-day workshop is designed to build capacity within the team of wild dog coordinators across the country.



“AWI has a long-term outlook on wild dog control. Part of this outlook is to facilitate the professional development of the AWI funded and co-funded coordinators.



“Wild dog attacks have decimated sheep numbers in many parts of Queensland and the problem is widespread across Australia, but with the support of coordinators, landholders and groups, we are able to get on top of the problem,” Mr Evans outlined.



“Having coordinators in these crucial areas is strengthening our approach in protecting the nation͛s sheep flock and supporting communities who are emotionally and financially effected by wild dog attacks.



“By bringing together these professionals, the workshop provided the opportunity for people to learn from the experiences of others and facilitate collaboration between local, regional, state and national control initiatives.”

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The story AWI builds capacity in wild dog control first appeared on The Land.