Further cluster fencing helps western farmers
PHASE two of South West NRM’s exclusion fencing is now complete.
The Western Langlo Exclusion Fence is located west of Charleville.
Exclusion fence member Cameron Tickell says the exclusion fence will provide an abundant crop of native grasses come rain.
“Dogs were a problem, roos too,” Mr Tickell said.
“With the little rain we get, there is germination and then roos turn up by the thousands.”
The cattleman said a lot of western country had still not been developed to meet its potential and in order to grow optimum pasture, kangaroos must be managed.
“For us to keep developing, you can’t lock paddocks up because of roos.”
Besides controlling pastures and growing native grasses conducive to the production of beef, wild dogs were taking a toll on livestock.
Mr Tickell said he could now gauge just how serious an impact wild dogs were having on his stock.
“When you don’t have a fence, you don’t know where dogs are moving,” he said.
“Now you can actually start to see how many dogs are working in the area by seeing the amount of dogs hitting the fence, following the river down and working up and down the fence.”
Mr Tickell said he had seen an escalation in dog numbers and attacks on cattle.
“You have only got to lose 10 calves a year and you have paid for your fence.”
Looking down the track, Mr Tickell said he would consider diversifying his beef operation with sheep.
The added protection from the exclusion fences should aid the recovery and growth of the sheepmeat and wool economy throughout southwest Queensland.
Mr Tickell said Charle villebased natural resources management company South West NRM played a fundamental role as mediator in the development of the exclusion zone.
He said the fencing was a no-brainer.
“You can’t afford not to do it.
“We are definitely going to see benefits like pasture growth. It will all add up.”
Another grazier within the South West NRM-funded exclusion fence, Bob Crozier, echoed Mr Tickell’s sentiments.
“I could see between dogs and roos it wouldn't be viable to make a living,” Mr Crozier said of choosing to join the Western Langlo cluster.
He plans to grow a free-range goat herd, not only as a financial incentive but also to help manage fast-growing mulga.
The exclusion zone will continue to bait for wild dogs.