Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce announced the funding yesterday, saying he hoped it would attract contributions from industry and state governments.

“Last year we provided start-up funding of $280,000 towards the plan, which funded outcomes including the updated PestSmart Connect National Wild Dog Action Plan portal that I launched on Tuesday,” Mr Joyce said.

“We are now investing an additional $1.35 million to ensure national co-ordination and on-the-ground methodologies for wild dog management are accessible, reliable, available and used to the greatest effect possible.

“It will also deliver support projects and will strengthen the work that is already being pursued.

“Success is dependent on industry, farmers, state and territory governments and the community all playing a role.

“The plan provides a model for industry-led action and it is up to all of us to make a difference — ‘working together-working smarter’.”

Mr Joyce said it was not just about the estimated up to $66 million that wild dog attacks cost Australia’s agricultural sector each year through livestock losses, disease transmission and control costs.

“It’s also about the emotional impact that wild dog attacks have on the farmers who put their blood, sweat and tears into raising and protecting their livestock,” he said.

Mr Joyce said the online site would aid farmers.

“PestSmart Connect serves as a one-stop-shop for farmers and the community to easily access all the information they need on best practice management of wild dogs and other pest animals, including a wild dog management guide, and videos,” he said.

“Farmers can also connect with each other and find assistance to help them tackle wild dogs.”