Landholders in NSW Far West are reporting immediate improvements to their primary production, biosecurity and biodiversity following the installation of exclusion fencing.
With nine projects delivering 376 km of exclusion fencing and 331,170 hectares of property enclosed once completed, the participating landholders and stakeholders are more broadly optimistic, following the positive outcomes already occurring.
By the end of April, approximately 250 km of the 376 km fence line was constructed.
Landholders currently delivering their exclusion fencing projects are reporting an increase in native flora and fauna on their properties, including Nick Mannion, Lake Wallace Station, who is constructing 60 km of exclusion fencing through his project.
“It’s been very pleasing to see the positive changes come about to our paddocks that are now enclosed behind our exclusion fencing,” Nick said.
“We’ve noticed an increase in our groundcover as we now have greater control over unmanaged grazing pressure from pest animals like feral pigs and native animals like kangaroos and wallabies.
“We are pleased to see an increase in the abundance of wildlife and birdlife on our property through monitoring cameras we’ve installed as part of the project, particularly in areas where they aren’t known to frequent.
“Getting the balance right between increasing our primary production while also improving biodiversity and the local environment is something we are passionate about.”
Another landholder who installed a monitoring camera as part of his project recorded two wild dogs on his property. The landholder has since controlled both wild dogs.
The exclusion fencing projects will also be valuable tools in preparing for a potential emergency animal disease outbreak, such as foot-and-mouth or lumpy skin disease.
Local Land Services is delivering the Fencing Biosecure Production Zones and Pest Knockout Grant Program through funding from the NSW Government.
