The Evolution of Sheep Farming and Predator Control in Western Queensland

In 2014, the sheep industry in Western Queensland faced a dire crisis as wild dogs wreaked havoc on livestock numbers, driving generational woolgrowers to abandon sheep farming in favor of cattle rearing.

Traditional methods of control, such as trapping, shooting, and baiting with 1080, proved ineffective. This led to the consensus that predator fencing was the only viable option to sustain the industry.

Two primary fencing models emerged as potential solutions: a large-scale regional fence encompassing multiple local council shires, and the cluster fencing model, which would encircle several properties.

After thorough deliberation, stakeholders opted for the cluster fencing approach, believing it would significantly mitigate the menace of wild dogs and feral pigs.

ABS 2023.

Since the implementation of the Queensland Government’s Feral Pest Initiative (QFPI) Cluster Fencing program, over 9,400 km of predator fencing has been constructed statewide, with an additional 100 km of funding still available in select council areas.

It’s crucial to note that this metric does not only account for state-funded fencing; landholders have also invested in their own fencing solutions.

Morgan Gronold, Acting CEO of the Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD), shared insights on the program’s execution for multiple councils in Central Western Queensland.

“The success of the initiative hinged on its voluntary nature,” he explained. “Landholders needed to collaborate with their neighbors to develop a proposal, including a maintenance partnership, to secure funding.”

Gronold highlighted that the initiative’s success would have been limited had it been mandatory, and emphasized the importance of strict fencing specifications to maintain consistency across the region.

<h2>The Impact of Fencing on Sheep Populations</h2>
<p>
    The Qld Government launched a dedicated website, <a href="https://notjustafence.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Not Just A Fence</a>, offering insights on stock number fluctuations, job creation linked to the fencing program, and more.
</p>
<p>
    Sheep populations in Queensland saw a drastic decline from 8.5 million in 2001 to a mere 1.8 million by 2016. However, thanks to the fencing initiatives, numbers began to recover, reaching 2.8 million by 2021.
</p>
<ul>
    <li>Between 2001 and 2016, lambing rates in QFPI regions dropped by approximately 33%.</li>
    <li>Many sheep producers who installed exclusion fences have successfully returned to pre-2001 lambing rates.</li>
</ul>
<p>
    The fencing initiative has amassed over $91 million in total investments, with $28 million contributed by the state government and over $63 million from landholders.
</p>
<div id="attachment_242101" style="width: 1410px" class="wp-caption alignnone">
    <img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-242101" class="size-full wp-image-242101" src="https://www.beefcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Qld-Cluster-Fences.jpg" alt="" width="1400" height="854" srcset="https://www.beefcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Qld-Cluster-Fences.jpg 1400w, https://www.beefcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Qld-Cluster-Fences-400x244.jpg 400w, https://www.beefcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Qld-Cluster-Fences-1024x624.jpg 1024w, https://www.beefcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Qld-Cluster-Fences-768x468.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px"/>
    <p id="caption-attachment-242101" class="wp-caption-text">Map of Qld Government funded cluster fencing.</p>
</div>

<h2>Case Study: Andrew Martin's Wool Operation</h2>
<p>
    Andrew Martin, a woolgrower near Tambo, was one of the first to construct a cluster fence, uniting efforts with more than 20 neighboring properties to enclose an impressive one million acres.
</p>
<blockquote>
    “In our first year, we caught 137 dogs alone, and neighbors reported similar numbers,” Andrew recounted.
</blockquote>
<p>
    He noted a remarkable increase in lambing rates post-fence installation, sharing that the numbers jumped from a mere 7% to nearly 80%.
</p>
<p>
    Martin’s family has been in the merino sheep business around Tambo for over 140 years, and he stated, “This was the first time in memory that we achieved such high consecutive lambing rates.”
</p>
<p>
    He also highlighted the positive impact on local wildlife since the fence's construction, saying, “Ever since the fence was built, we’ve seen increases in native populations, such as brolgas and goannas.”
</p>

<h2>The Financial Landscape of Fencing</h2>
<p>
    At the onset of the QFPI cluster fencing model in 2015, the government contributed one-third of the costs, estimated at around $2,700 per kilometer. However, due to rising labor and material costs, current fencing expenses reach between $15,000 to $20,000 per kilometer.
</p>
<p>
    Additionally, with high demand for fencing contractors, wait times have extended significantly. Some contractors reported that their earliest available bookings extend to mid-2026.
</p>
<p>
    In response to the success of the QFPI initiative, the Longreach Regional Council has launched a similar program allowing landholders to finance individual fencing through council loans, repaid via their rates over a 22-year period.
</p>

<h2>Benefits of Exclusion Fencing</h2>
<p>According to RAPAD, the long-term benefits of exclusion fencing include:</p>
<ul>
    <li>Regaining control of properties and livestock, fostering confidence for new investments.</li>
    <li>Boosting production capabilities.</li>
    <li>Enhanced pasture management.</li>
    <li>Increased sightings of native wildlife.</li>
    <li>Higher agistment rates for land behind predator-proof fences.</li>
    <li>Improved mental well-being for landholders.</li>
    <li>More time devoted to positive business developments instead of chasing down predatory threats.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Fencing in Other Australian States</h2>
<p>
    Fencing for livestock protection is not a novel concept. The Dingo Fence, erected in the 1880s, stretches over 5,614 km across Qld, NSW, and SA remains an essential barrier against wild dogs.
</p>
<p>
    Each state has evolved its own approach, with some opting for cluster fencing models while others stick to linear fencing extensions.
</p>

<h3>New South Wales</h3>
<p>
    Despite inquiries, the NSW Government did not respond regarding cluster fencing adoption. However, they maintain a crucial 600 km dog-proof fence along the borders to protect livestock in western NSW.
</p>

<h3>Victoria</h3>
<p>
    The Victorian Government has actively engaged with local communities to balance dingo conservation while protecting livestock, investing over $2.5 million in support initiatives.
</p>

<h3>South Australia</h3>
<p>
    South Australia's 2,150 km Dog Fence protects the state’s $4.3 billion livestock industry from wild dog migration, with significant funding allocated for rebuilding old sections.
</p>

<h3>Western Australia</h3>
<p>
    WA has extended its 1,200 km State Barrier Fence by an additional 660 km to safeguard its agricultural sector. The Murchison Regional Vermin Cell furthers protection across an expansive area.
</p>

<p>
    Ultimately, the expanse and evolution of fencing highlight its critical role in shaping not only the sheep industry but also the broader agricultural landscape across Australia.
</p>