A $3.7 million Government grant initiative has been introduced to help landholders in the Western Local Land Services region to fight against pest animals and plants and the accompanying unmanaged grazing pressure.

With an aim to improve preparations for emergency animal disease outbreaks, there is a funding focus on exclusion fencing and weed management.

Greg Rummery, agronomist and director at Outlook Ag in Walgett, said he agreed that biosecurity in the area should be upgraded.

"The chance for eligible land holders to access funding to improve fencing around their property is very important," Mr Rummery said.

"Some people say exclusion fencing is not ideal due to it limiting movement of some native animals but if it is utilised correctly in a collective or even a singular set up, it is the best scenario for controlling possible disease incursions such as foot and mouth"

Mr Rummery said that currently few landholders in the region had exclusion fencing and that while the wild dog fence constructed along the Queensland border was effective, plenty of dogs managed to find their way through.

"Wild dogs, feral pigs and goats are all an issue," Mr Rummery said. "With more sheep south of the border, the dogs have a good reason to make their way down here. If this funding helps land holders to manage the grazing pressure on their land and do what is best for biodiversity and sustainability then that is a good thing."

North western agronomist Greg Rummery. SOURCE: youtube

Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Western NSW Dugald Saunders also showed enthusiasm for the funding opportunity.

“This new Fencing Biosecure Production Zones and Pest Knockout Grant Program supports landholders to manage pests and biosecurity threats by offering incentives to construct exclusion zone fencing, implement best-practice grazing management and coordinated control of invasive species including feral pigs and wild dogs," Mr Saunders said.

“These important on-ground works will allow landholders to increase their productivity, while also providing benefits to local environments as well as local communities and economies.”

Landholders can receive funding assistance to undertake fencing works either individually on their property or as part of a collective on adjoining properties, while funding is also available to support pest weed and pest animal control activities. 

“I’d encourage all landholders in the Western Region Local Land Services area to review the guidelines and, if they’re eligible, get an EOI in to participate in this project,” Mr Saunders said.

“This is a great opportunity to receive support to undertake important on-ground works which will have immediate and ongoing benefits.” 

Expressions of Interest are open until 25 January. To check eligibility and guidelines, visit here.