The program will support regional initiatives in drought affected areas like the Upper Hunter. Funds will be directed to projects that reduce grazing pressure from pest animals, stock losses from pest animals and the spread of weeds.

Hunter Local Land Services supports landholder or community groups working together to control pest species such as foxes, wild dogs, pigs, rabbits and deer.

“Working cross tenure to support neighbours is the best way we can collectively manage to target pest species,” said Hunter Local Land Services Biosecurity Team Leader Luke Booth.

“Recently at Upper Rouchel we saw 33 landholders come together in a group program to put out 4,645 baits targeting wild dogs, as a follow on activity after our Autumn aerial baiting program.

“It’s these sorts of community efforts that have the biggest knockdown results on pest animals in our region.”

With ongoing drought conditions continuing to impact the region, Hunter Local Land Services is urging pest and weed organisations to apply for the pest and weed drought funding program before July 18. Installing cluster or grazing fencing, or target weed control or pest management activities such as baiting, trapping, shooting, trail camera use are all eligible under the program.

Hunter Local Land Services will also be working with local wild dog associations to coordinate an application to undertake a spring aerial baiting program to follow on from the autumn program, to ensure maximum pressure is put on pest animals during this drought period.

Landholders or local organisations are being urged to contact their nearest Hunter Local Land Services office to discuss the program or contact our Biosecurity team directly if you wish to discuss pest animal control in your area on 1300 795 299.