The Andrews Labor Government today announced the newly appointed Chairperson and members to the Wild Dog Management Advisory Committee.
The new Committee will be chaired by Mr Ron Harris and comprise six members that have knowledge and expertise in wild dog and biodiversity management.
Mr Harris is a sheep and cattle farmer, and previously held an Executive Director role with the former Department of Environment and Primary Industries.
Mr Harris was awarded a Public Service Medal for his work transforming the lamb industry into a vibrant, export-oriented sector, and in leading the development and delivery of innovative services for farmers and rural communities.
The Committee members include Alan Brown, Simon Lawlor, Michael McCormack, Paul Carroll, Dr Ernest Healy and Dr Euan Martin Ritchie.
The six members bring a range of credentials to the Committee, including skills and experience in wild dog management, wild dog research, catchment management and threatened species management.
The Committee will advise the Minister for Agriculture on matters relating to the strategic management of wild dogs in Victoria.
This will help Agriculture Victoria better understand grass roots issues, inform policy, and assist the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to link operations to strategic priorities and community expectations.
Wild dogs are a significant challenge for land managers and are estimated to cost Victoria’s livestock industry up to $18 million per year.
The Labor Government has provided $6.3 million in additional funding over four years to support the ongoing management of wild dogs and foxes in the Victorian Budget 2016/17.
The establishment of the Committee follows an independent evaluation of Victoria’s wild dog management program, which highlighted the need for land owners and managers to continue to work in partnership.
More information about wild dog management is available at .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“Wild dog management is most effective when land managers work together across both private and public land.”
“Wild dogs pose a significant threat to Victoria’s livestock and effective ongoing pest management is crucial for this industry.”
Quote attributable to Wild Dog Management Chairperson Ron Harris
“I look forward to working productively with the new Committee to advise the Government on best practice approaches to wild dog management and improved results for private and public land managers.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020