Pastoralists speak out
Goldfields pastoralists addressed their concerns over a proposed pastoral lease agreement at a Parliamentary inquiry in Kalgoorlie-Boulder yesterday.
The inquiry is looking into issues surrounding the granting of pastoral leases in Western Australia, which are set to expire in 2015.
It was presented with evidence from the region’s pastoralists relating to the new agreement, with issues around land tenure, Government involvement in the region and interference from environmental groups raised at the meeting.
Several pastoralists who made submissions also spoke of the devastation caused by wild dogs to the Goldfields sheep industry and asked for more Government support for baiting programs.
This support would include allowing access to unmanaged Crown Land to help eradicate the dogs, with one pastoralist saying the lack of funding for managing Crown Land meant it was a refuge for wild dogs.
Kalgoorlie Pastoral Alliance president Ross Wood, who gave evidence to the inquiry, said having Government land adjacent to a pastoral lease was like having the “worst neighbour” due to neglect.
“The Crown just accepts no responsibilities for its land,” Mr Wood said.
