Northern Rivers wild dog plans up for review

Input from the community will be sought as part of the review of the Wild Dog Management Plans for the Northern Rivers area.

Wild Dog Management Plans are prepared to manage wild dogs in Schedule 2 areas (dingo management areas) within the North Coast Livestock Health and Pest Authority. These plans are reviewed every five years or as required by the LHPA.

Dean Chamberlain, North Coast LHPA senior ranger, says the current review is being informed by input from a number of stakeholders.

"The LHPA has taken on the coordination of the review and we are working with National Parks and Wildlife Service, Forests NSW, Land and Property Management Authority and landholder representatives," said Mr Chamberlain.

"During 2010, 63 wild dog group baiting programs were carried out in the North Coast LHPA district. Some of the programs are coordinated by local landholders and carried out annually and others are conducted on an as needs basis. It is important that there is a coordinated approach to managing wild dogs, which the management plans help to achieve.

"The first planning meeting between stakeholders will be held this month. It is envisaged the meeting will result in a draft plan which can be put to the community for comment."

The management of wild dogs in the Northern Rivers of NSW is the responsibility of all land managers. The North Coast LHPA assists landholders to manage wild dogs through advice, supply of baits, assistance with coordinating baiting programs, involvement with other control techniques such as trapping programs and working with private landholders and agencies to develop wild dog management plans.

Mr Chamberlain said proactive wild dog control is best undertaken on a regular basis throughout the year.

"The best times for proactive wild dog control are from autumn to spring and reactive control should be considered whenever there is evidence to suggest their presence," he said.

For more information on controlling wild dogs contact your local ranger of the North Coast LHPA.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378