Each state operates independently, with its own standards and the action plan committee hoped a uniform approach would streamline inter-state cooperation and provide a clearer career path for people interested in working as a wild dog controller.

Victorian Wild Dog community engagement officer Barry Davies said the idea had been well received by other states.

“Each state has got their own program and each state has got their own requirement as to what qualifications a person will need to have,” Mr Davies said.

“There is no standard so we’re trying to develop that so all the states agree on one qualification.”

Mr Davies was speaking during a two-day stakeholder consultative group forum in Sydney involving representatives from across Australia to discuss the latest developments in wild dog control.

He said a united approach to controlling the pest was important but programs were working, with many farmers in affected areas considering increasing their stock carrying capacity.

“We’re not naive to say we’re on top of everything, there’s always going to be some problems somewhere, and our challenge is to jump on those as quick as we can,” Mr Davies said.

“But in the Upper Murray area now things are probably running as good as they have for a fairly long time, and that’s feedback we’re getting from our wild dog controllers and feedback from our farmers. Our challenge is to not take the foot off the pedal.”

The National Wild Dog Action Plan was formulated in 2013 with the aim of bringing livestock peak bodies, research organisations and state and territory governments to a consensus on an approach to manage the threat of wild dogs.

Mr Davies said farmers working together in community groups and talking to each other about their experiences with wild dogs had proved beneficial.

“We sent out surveys and in 88 per cent of the surveys we got back, the farmers are saying their wellbeing has improved by being in the groups … that’s pretty good,” he said.