SA SHEEP producers will be paying an extra 12 cents per sheep towards a levy to help rebuild the Dog Fence, after the increase to the Primary Industry Funding Schemes Act 1998 was gazetted this week.
The levy increases from 55c to 67c as part of the livestock industry's $5 million contribution to the rebuild.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said the once-in-a-generation project was critical in protecting the state's $4.3 billion livestock industry.
"It is important there is a clear message to sheep producers and livestock agents that the extra 12c on each sheep sold is going directly to the fence rebuild," he said.
"Once industry has committed its $5m share of the rebuild, additional contributions, such as the 12c increase, will cease."
Mr Whetstone said the rebuild of the 1600-kilometre fence would protect livestock, help grow flock numbers and support farmer wellbeing.
The state government is also opening tenders this week for the material and fencing contractors to begin the rebuild, with the task expected to create up to 63 full-time jobs by the third year of the project.
Tender documents show an estimated 71,000 timber posts, 127,500 steel droppers and more than 7000km of wire are expected to be required.
"Independent analyses commissioned by the state government and Livestock SA earlier in the year showed the positive impact on Gross State Product from the rebuild is expected to be $1.8m in the first year, $8.1m in the third year and $5.3m in the 20th year," Mr Whetstone said.
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He said the fence had been significantly damaged over time by kangaroos, emus, feral camels and wild dogs, exacerbated by drought.
"A new Dog Fence will reduce wild dog management costs for pastoralists by up to $97m and a sheep enterprise sales income is expected to increase by up to $69.7m.
"The rebuild of the Dog Fence will be tailored to suit the problems pastoralists are having in localised areas, and we'll be working closely with the Dog Fence Rebuild Committee, four Local Dog Fence boards and a private fence owner on the most effective design and the priority areas, which need to be rebuilt first."
Livestock SA president Joe Keynes said the 12c increase had the support of the state's sheep industry, while other options were being considered to help reach the $5m target.
"In addition to the Sheep Industry Fund levy increase, other proposed sources of industry funding include an increase in the dog fence rates and a contribution from processing of rangeland goats," he said.
This week's gazette also signals a change in the management of the SA sheep and cattle industry funds.
Under the new model, Livestock SA will apply for payments from the funds, from 2020-21, on behalf of the industry, for programs to benefit the sheep and cattle industries.
- Details: pir.sa.gov.au/dogfence
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