Manager at Elouera Vale Matthew Simmons is all too aware of the risks that wild dogs pose to producers in the Southern Highlands.
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Wild dogs are known to maul and kill livestock. The loss of stock causes both financial and emotional stress for farmers in the region.
"We're in a really interesting spot here, we're close to town and have a lot of small holdings for neighbours, but we also back onto the Upper Nepean conservation area," Mr Simmons said.
"This means that we face a real challenge when it comes to dealing with wild dogs, the impacts can be just devastating, both financially and mentally.
"The support we get from South East Local Land Services and National Parks and Wildlife has been fantastic. We have only praise for the responsiveness, collaboration and results-focused attitude across our Government agencies and their contractors."
Elouera Vale owner Wayne Deeth said "We've got camels here, which is a bit of a novelty I guess, but also cattle, sheep and turkeys, so without the appropriate support and advice we could be really up against it."
"We have particularly valued the vast 30 years' experience and knowledge of National Parks trapper Ian Eggleton, known as Boots, who is passionate about his craft and is a great teacher.
"Our family and workers are so much more aware of nature and the balance in the environment because of Boots."
Parks and Wildlife director for the area David Crust said "pest animals don't really consider man made boundaries when they move around, they go where there will be food, shelter and water."
"As land managers we have a responsibility to make sure that we are working with our neighbours and other agencies to minimise the negative impacts that pests can have, while also preserving key habitat for native wildlife.
"We take this responsibility seriously, we're committed to these programs, so it is heartening to hear that they are having a positive impact on our neighbours."
South East Local Land Services oversee the wild dog management plan for the Southern Highlands.
They work with members of the community as well as other NSW Government agencies including National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW Forestry Corporation.
"A landscape scale approach is the most important thing when we are talking about control of pest animals like wild dogs" said senior biosecurity officer Matthew McNaughton.
"We put a lot of thought and effort into how we are going to engage with our partner agencies and with the community.
"So when we come across property managers like Matthew Simmons, and property owners, like Wayne, who are such advocates for what we are trying to achieve, and lead by example within their community, it's really reassuring."
Matthew Simmons is a key member of the Feral Fighters pest control group.
"I'm an advocate for Feral Fighters because I've seen the results and I know what can be achieved when everyone chips in and plays their part" Mr Simmons said.
"What we see when neighbours and communities get involved is that we go from a patchwork approach, with gaps across the landscape, to a blanket approach, which is much more effective and delivers better outcomes for everyone," Mr McNaughton said.
South East Local Land Services runs regular Feral Fighters training sessions in Sutton Forest and Goulburn, to find out more visit the website or call the Goulburn office on 0424 1900.
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