Dog Fence levy details gain support: Livestock SA

The industry is expected to contribute $5 million towards the $25m cost to rebuild the fence, which will be matched by $10m each from the SA and federal government.

As reported in Stock Journal, this would include a $1 levy of the processing of rangeland goats in SA; an increase in the Dog Fence Rates paid by pastoralists from $1.33 per square kilometres to $2/sqkm; and a levy of 12 cents per transaction of sheep transactions.

The increase to the Dog Fence Rates and the Dog Fence Renewal levy on sheep transactions are expected to be in place for a period of five years or until the $5m is raised.

The Dog Fence Rates will have the minimum rate increased from $110 to $475, with it expected to raise $250,000 a year.

The Dog Fence Renewal levy is anticipated to contribute $600,000 and the goat levy is expected to raise $150,000 a year.

Livestock SA president Joe Keynes said there had been collective strong support of producers across the state for the proposed levies.

"It shows the foresight of South Australian livestock producers in working together collectively to ensure we can resolve the threat of wild dogs to the South Australian livestock industry," he said.

"While the impact of the fence rebuild will be most immediately felt by those producers in the north of the state, it is vitally important in ensuring the South Australian livestock industry remains a profitable and viable sector into the future.

"This urgent need to renew significant lengths of the SA Dog Fence remains the number one priority for our industry.

"The failure of the current fence and resultant wild dog predation on sheep flocks to the south of the fence is having a huge emotional and economic toll on all involved."

Mr Keynes said a BDO Econsearch analysis of the economics of the fence found rebuilding it would result in a net benefit to the community of between $58.9m and $120.3m across a 20-year period.

"These mechanisms for collecting the levy have been calculated recognising the impact of drought on stock numbers," he said.

"Fund collection will be monitored and ceased when the industry contribution has been achieved.

"We've spoken to many members on this issue, both directly and through regional meetings.

"We encourage people with any questions to get in touch through the Livestock SA office."