Press Release

Western Australia’s leading agricultural lobby group, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association (PGA) refutes the statement made by Regional Development and Lands Minister Terry Redman in yesterday’s Farm Weekly that ‘he has made it clear to pastoralists via the Pastoralists and Graziers Association that if pastoralists can come up with half of the funding required to get the [Murchison vermin cell fence] project off the ground, that would strengthen their business case’.

“Minister Redman’s statement is not factual and there is no way that the PGA would ever agree with such a proposal that would be detrimental to our members and the pastoral industry,” PGA Vice President and Pastoral Committee Chair Ellen Rowe said.

“Aside from offering our support in principle to the cell fence project due to it being in the best interest of the pastoral industry, the PGA has no direct involvement in the business case or in any operational details, including informing pastoralists of any decisions or comments or directives coming from the Mid West Development Commission or the Minister for Regional Development.”

“The PGA is disappointed in Minister Redman’s comments and encourages him to address his comments and decisions directly to the authors of the business case.”

“Wild dog control is a serious issue for pastoralists throughout the rangelands and any project that will assist in controlling wild dog numbers and in restoring the viability of small-stock pastoral stations should be treated seriously by the Government and given its full support.”