The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has reminded the State’s sheep and goat producers they are to contribute 17c per head from the sale of their animals to help fund the control of wild dogs and virulent footrot in Western Australia.
Chair of the Sheep and Goat Industry Funding Scheme Management Committee, Charles Wass said the new producer contribution takes effect on 1 July, replacing the existing 15c per head contribution.
“The funding scheme enables the WA sheep and goat industry to raise funds for programs to address priority pest and disease threats,” Mr Wass said.
“Each year the Management Committee determines which priorities to address, the scheme’s area of operation and the producer contribution rate.”
He said the increase in the rate was to enable the industry to continue to support programs which addressed key pests and diseases.
“Wild dogs were added to the scheme last year after feedback unanimously identified this as the priority issue for the WA sheep and goat industry,” Mr Wass said.
“The increased rate will fund on-ground wild dog control in priority gap areas as well as continuing the control program for virulent footrot.”
He said producers were able to opt-out of the Sheep and Goat Industry Funding Scheme by submitting a notice of opt-out form to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development before 30 June.
However, he said, they will lose all entitlements to assistance and compensation via the scheme.
