By working together, farming families and other natural resource managers have shown how a concerted and committed approach can improve biodiversity and renew confidence for growers wanting to retain or grow their flocks.

Preliminary information from group surveys have shown producers involved in groups in Queensland and South Australia are cautiously interested in introducing sheep back onto properties.

Over 90 per cent of producers involved in the South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resource Management (SAALNRM) dog group “BiteBack” have reported an improvement following the introduction of the AWI supported wild dog program.

The BiteBack program involves the BestPrac woolgrower network and covers some 200,000 square kilometres in northern SA.

The initiative has been running since 2009 and has been owned, run and driven by landholders from the outset, with the SAALNRM Board providing coordination and project management support. The SA Government has also played an important role and has upheld that ownership of the program lies with the landholders.

“Dog numbers and stock losses are far lower than back in 2009,” says Leonard Nutt of Hawker, SA while Geoff Mengerson of Depot Springs Station, Capley, SA said, “We’re starting to get back on top of them a little bit I think.”

According to community groups, native animal populations have been reported to be increasing at Blackall in central Queensland, where koala numbers are on the up and the number of dogs is lower.

Wild dogs continue to be one of the main factors affecting the rebuilding of the Australian sheep industry in pastoral areas. The loss of animals is equalled by the emotional toll the repeated attacks have on sheep producers.

Last year AWI committed $600,000 to help regional groups implement grassroots management plans to reduce the impact dogs have on the environment and the people who manage it.