The consultation will seek feedback on the economic and social impacts of the dingo unprotection order, and build on the government’s understanding of the different views about the current order, which has been informed by recent stakeholder engagement, correspondence and data collection including the livestock predation survey.
Ms Spence said the sessions would build on previous surveys and consultation and to balance the protection of livestock and the conservation of dingoes.
“It’s important we get this right. That’s why we’re making it a priority to listen to the community before we make a decision,” she said.
“We want to hear from farmers impacted by predation as part of this consultation process and use their feedback to help shape the settings that will protect livestock.”
Both ministers will jointly consider the feedback, alongside the latest scientific research and data, in determining the future policy settings beyond October 1, 2024, when the current dingo unprotection order is due to expire.
Dingoes are listed as a threatened species under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975.
The dingo unprotection order only permits control activities on specified private land and within a three-kilometre buffer zone on public land in the east of Victoria.
The government revoked an unprotection order on wild dogs in north-west Victoria in March without consultation, resulting in farmers having stock killed.
Mr Dimopoulos said the government wanted local knowledge and expertise to form part of the review as it works towards a future that appropriately balanced the conservation of dingoes with the protection of livestock.
“The dingo population in north-west Victoria is under threat of extinction, that’s why we’re making these changes to protect an important part of the ecosystem,” he said.
To find out more about the consultation visit, agriculture.vic.gov.au/dingoreview.
