THE state's sheep industry is close to securing the means to raise its $5 million contribution for the $25m rebuild of 1600 kilometres of the dilapidated SA Dog Fence.
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Last month, the annual Dog Fence rates for pastoralists rose from $1.33 a square kilometre to $2/sqkm and all that remains is for Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone to sign off on the 12 cents a head transaction levy from sheep and $1/hd for rangeland goats to enable collection to begin.
The state and federal governments have already committed $10m each in funding.
Livestock SA president Joe Keynes says the feedback on the proposed levy been very positive.
"The silent majority gives us heart that we have got widespread support from SA's sheep industry," he said.
He hopes the levy will be in place for SA's spring sheep sales when turn-off peaks.
Once the $5m is raised, the levy will cease.
"We have even had several emails to the (Livestock SA) office from growers wanting us to keep it going to pay for the repairs in the future but that is not being considered at this stage," Mr Keynes said.
"We need to raise $5m so the shorter time we can do this in the better."
It is still unclear if the $5m will be underwritten by the state government but Mr Whetstone said "given the ageing condition of the fence", the government was keen for work to begin this financial year.
It has set up a Dog Fence Rebuild Committee to provide advice on the major project.
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