The next round of community consultation for the NSW Wild Dog Fence Extension project is being held the week of 21-25 March along the NSW and South Australian border, with anyone with an interest or question about the project encouraged to attend.
Open community sessions covering all aspects of the project have been organised for landholders, community members, fencing and employment contractors, and environmentalists, as well as targeted sessions for the Aboriginal community.
The targeted sessions for the Aboriginal community will focus on the assessments for cultural heritage and biodiversity, as well as employment opportunities, while each session will include a presentation on the project.
The project team is keen to get a broad range of feedback and everyone, regardless of their viewpoint, is encouraged to attend a session, ask any questions they have, and provide formal feedback to be considered and responded to.
All feedback, ideas, suggestions and concerns that are raised during the sessions will be considered and help inform the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
The EIS is currently in development and will address biodiversity, construction methodology, soil and sediment, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage, flora and fauna and sustainability.
Once the EIS is drafted, it will be lodged with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, where it will be put on public exhibition for further feedback.
For COVID-19 and catering purposes, please register your interest to attend a session to Project Officer, Jean Holley on (02) 5852 1215 or email wilddogfence@scs.nsw.gov.au.
If you’re unable to attend a session in person, you can organise an online session with the project team, or provide feedback and ask questions via (02) 5852 1215 or wilddogfence@scs.nsw.gov.au.
The extension of the 583 km NSW Border Wild Dog Fence by around 750 km will be a game-changer for livestock producers and community members in Western NSW, offering employment and procurement opportunities for local businesses.
Prior to construction commencing, the project is undergoing an extensive assessments, approvals and community consultation process, providing relevant experts and local landholders and stakeholders an opportunity to have input into the project.
The economic impact of wild dogs is estimated to exceed $100 million every year across Australia, with around $22 million of this attributed to NSW.
Information and feedback sessions for landholders and all other interested parties
Monday 21 March 2022, 2-4 pm — Tennis Club, Wentworth
Wednesday 23 March 2022, 9-11 am — Community Hall, Anabranch
Wednesday 23 March 2022,10:30 am-12:30 pm — Community Hall, Pooncarie
Wednesday 23 March 2022, 2-4 pm — Coombah Station, Scotia
Thursday 24 March 2022, 1:30-3:30 pm — Thyme on Argent, Broken Hill
Friday 25 March 2022, 9-11 am — Roadhouse, Packsaddle
Information and feedback sessions for Aboriginal community groups and individuals
Monday 21 March 2022, 9:30-11:30 am — Coomealla Club, Dareton
Tuesday 22 March 2022, 9-11 am — Wompinni Station, Rufus
Tuesday 22 March 2022, 2-4 pm — Calperum Station, Cooltong, South Australia
Thursday 24 March 2022, 9:30-11:30 am — Thyme on Argent, Broken Hill
Source: Local Land Services