Funding uncertainty threatens wild-dog control, leaving Queensland sheep farmers losing lambs

In western Queensland, graziers such as Harrison Glasson have seen hundreds of lambs disappear following a surge in wild dog attacks, with some reporting up to 25 % of newborn lambs lost. Flood-induced damage to roughly 20 km of exclusion fencing in late 2025 allowed predators to re-enter properties, and despite repairs dogs continue to breach cattle grids and creeks. The National Wild Dog Action Plan, a collaborative scheme funded by the Commonwealth since 2014, is set to lose its co-funded budget in October, while the coordinator role may end in September.

Greg Mifsud highlighted rising pest numbers linked to favorable seasonal conditions, and the National Farmers Federation is urging a $250,000 annual federal contribution to sustain the program. A Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry spokesperson noted that on-ground control remains the responsibility of states and landholders. Without renewed funding, farmers fear a reversal of progress made against predation that once drove the sheep herd from 8.5 million to 1.8 million head.