Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Primary Industries

Good Neighbour Wild Dog Baiting Program

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria have completed the annual Gippsland Good Neighbour Cooperative Wild Dog Baiting Program across Gippsland.

By Department of Primary Industries - 4th August 2005 - Back to News

Meetings were held prior to the commencement of the baiting program to provide community with the opportunity to participate in the planning and action components of the program.

Vaughn Kingston, Wild Dog Program Coordinator for Gippsland said community support continues to drive the cooperative program across East Gippsland.

"With the inclusion of the DSE Land Stewardship staff, the program is going from strength to strength."

Discussions have again been held through the Interstate Pest Animal Working Group to

coordinate wild dog management activities in SouthEast New South Wales and Victoria.

"The link with New South Wales agencies provides a definite advantage in wild dog management by enhancing our resources base and providing links to research and development opportunities on both sides of the border," Mr Kingston said.

For further information on wild dog management in Gippsland contact Vaughn Kingston on (03) 5152 0600.

STOCK CONTAINMENT GRANTS

FOR EAST GIPPSLAND

Financial assistance is available to farmers in the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority area for the establishment of stock containment areas.

Stock containment areas are a carefully selected part of a property that are set up to hold, feed and water farm stock during adverse weather periods such as drought and cold weather.

Stock containment areas should be considered part of a property management plan and once established should be maintained and be available for use during emergencies.

The benefits of stock containment areas are:

• reduce the impact of soil erosion on the whole of the property by the protection of vegetative cover.
• confine the spread of weeds from imported feed.
• reduce the time taken for animal health and husbandry tasks.
• allow pastures to regenerate.

Grants of up to $2,000 are available for materials for fencing and water reticulation.

If you have any questions or would like to apply for a grant for a stock containment area, please call Julianne Sargant at DPI Bairnsdale on (03) 5152 0603.

POTATO 2005
Today and Beyond

The National Potato Conference is to be held at Cowes on Phillip Island from the 18^th to 21^st September.

Features of the conference include:

• Leading Australian and international presenters.
• A trade fair with more than 30 exhibitors.
• Major industry announcements and releases, including national water policy, new products, the new potato storage guide and the Processing Potato R& D initiatives.
• Poster display on the latest research.
• Industry tours.
• Be there to get practical and down to earth information.

For further information visit www.spv.org.au or contact the Potato Conference Secretariat at PO Box 1349, Warragul, Vic 3800. Phone (03) 5623 4188.

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF AN EXTRA LAMB?

Dr Andrew Thompson, Sheep Production Scientist, Department of Primary Industries, Hamilton John Young, Farming Systems Analysis Service, Kojonup, WA

High meat prices increase the value of extra lambs and the incentive for farmers to improve weaning percentages in their flocks.

But don’t fall into the trap that if your best lambs sell for $80 you can spend that much to increase the number of lambs weaned. Extra lambs do not come at no additional cost.

To decide if it is profitable to implement a strategy to increase weaning percentages, wool and lamb producers should carefully work through the full costs and benefits of raising extra lambs for their circumstances, to ensure that extra lambs weaned means extra profits.

Cost of extra lambs

Across different price scenarios and flock types, from specialist wool to specialist meat, computer modelling by the ‘Lifetime Wool’ project indicates that the ‘hidden’ cost of raising an extra lamb to sale age is approximately $20/hd (range $18 to $22 at long term average wool and meat prices).

The cost is lower if the farm is understocked and/or lambing is in the middle of spring, as the number of ewes per hectare is less likely to be compromised. It is also less when meat prices are lower because of differences in optimum stocking rate and feed utilisation between price scenarios.

This ‘rule of thumb’ could be used by producers to calculate a value for extra lambs on their property based on the average net sale price of their lambs.

The modelling used has taken into account changes in flock structure and value of production of the whole flock that result from higher weaning percentages. It also includes the increases in energy requirements of ewes bearing and rearing more lambs, changes in the value of their wool and the increases in energy required for backgrounding and finishing the extra lambs.

Value of extra lambs

The modelling shows that the value of an extra lamb can vary between $12 and $49 depending on the type of flock and prices received.

Extra lambs are most valuable in flocks that produce prime lambs and are least valuable in specialist wool flocks (see Table 1). They are of intermediate value in wool flocks that sell a draft one-third of the larger wether lambs as Merino prime lambs (Wool + MPL).

The value of extra lambs is only slightly affected by wool and grain prices, but is very sensitive to meat prices. Current meat prices are above the ‘High’ scenario used in the modelling ($3.10 per kg carcass weight).

Table 1: Value of extra lambs ($/lamb) for three flock types and five price scenarios. The value of an extra lamb is calculated from the difference between the sale price and the estimated cost of raising that lamb.

So if you decide that you would like to improve weaning percentage, what can you afford to spend?

If you are running 10 first cross ewes per hectare, increasing weaning percentage from 120 to 130% will produce one extra lamb per hectare. From Table 1 (specialist meat x high meat price), the value of this extra lamb is $49. The strategies implemented to achieve the 10% increase in lambing should therefore cost less than $4.90 per ewe, less an allowance for your profit.

The ‘Lifetime Wool’ project has shown that there are a number of strategies that farmers can implement to increase weaning percentages. These can be targeted to increase reproductive rate (more ewes pregnant with multiple births) and or increase lamb survival.

For example, having ewes in better condition at joining will boost reproductive performance (foetuses scanned per 100 ewes). Across 70 ewe flocks involved in the ‘Lifetime Wool’ project, an extra condition score at joining improved reproductive rate by between 5 and 40 lambs per 100 ewes joined (average 22 lambs/100 ewes for each extra condition score). How responsive is your flock, as this will influence your management decisions approaching joining next year.

More precise management of ewe nutrition during pregnancy can also improve lamb survival and weaning percentages. In addition, improving ewe nutrition can permanently increase fleece weight and reduce fibre diameter of progeny from Merinos, and improve lifetime reproductive performance of ewe progeny from crossbred ewes.

These benefits in lifetime performance, and therefore the value of these progeny if they are retained on the property, also need consideration in calculating the cost effectiveness of management strategies that improve weaning percentages.

To optimise stocking rate, the key is to know how nutrition affects the performance of your ewes and her progeny on your farm in your environment.

For more information on the Lifetime Wool project and pasture and ewe condition score bench marks to improve overall flock productivity, contact Andrew Thompson or Darren Gordon, Department of Primary Industries, Victoria, on (03) 5573 0900.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Darren Chester urges federal government to restore wild dog funding, backing farmers' calls for national management certainty
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester is urging the federal government to restore national wild dog funding, warning of $302 million annual agricultural losses and significant impacts on farmers, wildlife and regional communities.
• Wild Cherry Steiner School begins major Johnsonville Campus development to expand alternative education opportunities for East Gippsland families
  Construction of Wild Cherry Steiner School's new Johnsonville campus is beginning this month, with plans to expand capacity to 300–400 students and offer education through Year 12 from 2028.
• The Nationals pledge $10M boost for Victoria's Neighbourhood Houses, supporting community hubs facing rising demand and cost pressures
  The Nationals have pledged $10 million over four years for Victoria's Neighbourhood Houses, including $4 million for existing services and $6 million to establish and expand hubs in growing regions.
• Wellington Shire dog attacks decline, but council urges owners to secure pets and practise responsible dog ownership
  Wellington Shire recorded 64 dog attack reports over the past year, down from 93. Council urges owners to secure dogs, supervise children and practise responsible pet ownership to prevent further incidents.
• East Gippsland Councillors take council in community program to Twin Rivers district for local engagement on 29 September 2026
  East Gippsland Councillors will visit Bruthen, Johnsonville and Metung on September 29, meeting residents and businesses to discuss local priorities, challenges and opportunities through Council’s community engagement program.
• Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community input to shape future grants program and strengthen local community initiatives until 4 October 2026
  Bass Coast Council is reviewing its Community Grants Program, inviting residents and groups to help shape funding priorities supporting local projects, events, climate action and community initiatives.
• East Gippsland Council begins targeted roadside slashing program to reduce fire risks ahead of approaching fire season
  East Gippsland Shire Council has begun targeted roadside slashing ahead of fire season, prioritising vegetation growth, local conditions and emerging fire risks, with progress updates available online.
• East Gippsland outdoor venues prepare for summer with school holiday activities, swimming programs and swim teacher opportunities
  East Gippsland outdoor facilities are preparing for summer, with Orbost Pool opening early, seasonal swimming programs returning, Aqua Run activities planned and Council recruiting and training new swim teachers.
• Community groups encouraged to apply for East Gippsland’s 2026-27 grants program before 14 September 20260 deadline
  East Gippsland community groups can apply for 2026–27 grants supporting community, environmental, social and wellbeing projects, with funding from $3,000 to $20,000 available until September 14, 2026.
• Baw Baw Council awards $137,000 in community grants to 35 local groups supporting events, programs, equipment and community projects across the shire
  Baw Baw Shire Council has conditionally awarded more than $137,000 to 35 community groups through its first 2026/27 grants round, supporting local events, projects, equipment and initiatives across the Shire.
• Gippsland community groups invited to apply for grants up to $20,000 under Stronger Communities Program Round 10 until 23 November 2026
  Gippsland community organisations can apply for $2,500 to $20,000 grants under Round 10 of the Stronger Communities Programme, with $150,000 available for local infrastructure and social benefit projects.
• Morwell International Rose Garden Festival unveils exciting 2026 program ahead of November celebration
  Morwell’s free International Rose Garden Festival returns November 6–7, featuring entertainment, workshops, markets, children’s activities and spectacular Night Lights, celebrating the region’s iconic gardens with more than 4,000 roses.
• East Gippsland Council welcomes Coalition’s $120M pledge for new Bairnsdale Hospital emergency department and expanded patient capacity
  East Gippsland Shire Council has welcomed the Coalition’s $120 million pledge for Bairnsdale Hospital’s new emergency department, which will expand treatment spaces, ambulance bays and hospital beds to meet growing healthcare demand.
• Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon and other council projects and program updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council shares updates on community awards, infrastructure, citizenship, seniors’ programs, events, grants, jobs, emergency preparedness, and public consultations about local swimming pools and essential community services.
• Darren Chester and Matt Canavan to tour Gippsland industries, meeting local employers and workers across seven regional towns
  Nationals Leader Matt Canavan will tour Gippsland for two days, visiting major energy, forestry, manufacturing and agricultural businesses to discuss regional jobs, investment and industry challenges.
• East Gippsland simplifies footpath permit fees, reducing costs for businesses while supporting safe, vibrant, accessible town centres
  East Gippsland Shire Council has introduced a simplified, tiered Goods on Footpath permit fee structure, reducing costs for many businesses while supporting vibrant town centres and maintaining safe, accessible public spaces.
• Gippsland Landcare champions win Victorian awards for environmental conservation, First Nations collaboration and sustainable agriculture achievements
  Two Gippsland Landcare champions have won 2026 Victorian Landcare Awards, with Moogji Aboriginal Council and Kate Mirams and Peter Neaves recognised for environmental stewardship, collaboration and sustainable agriculture.
• East Gippsland Landcare Groups secure funding for environmental projects and community conservation across the region
  East Gippsland Landcare groups received 22 project and 11 support grants under the 2026 Victorian program, funding habitat restoration, weed management, biodiversity, education and volunteer activities.
• Seven Gippsland farmers markets to explore for fresh produce, local treats and delicious weekend breakfasts
  Gippsland’s seven farmers markets offer fresh local produce, seafood, baked treats, artisan goods and coffee, making weekend mornings delicious opportunities to meet growers and discover regional flavours.
• East Gippsland Council develops financial sustainability strategy to manage costs and protect essential services over the next decade
  East Gippsland Shire Council is developing a financial strategy to address rising costs, improve efficiency, prioritise infrastructure spending and maintain essential services while strengthening long-term financial sustainability.
• East Gippsland Landcare Groups recognised at Victorian Awards celebrating 40 Years of environmental stewardship and community conservation efforts
  East Gippsland Landcare groups Moogji Aboriginal Council and FEVL received the First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award, while Romawi Landcare was highly commended for innovation and its ongoing conservation efforts.
• Gippsland secures $288M country roads and bridges commitment under national government
  The Nationals will restore the Country Roads and Bridges Program, providing Victoria's 48 regional councils $1.5 million annually for four years to repair roads, bridges and local infrastructure.
• South Gippsland Council awards $122,959 to support 20 community organisations, local projects and other updates on council programs
  South Gippsland Council has awarded $122,959 to 20 groups, while promoting local projects, bridge repairs, weed management, hard waste collections and community programs.
• Victorian Landcare grants deliver $337,250 to support 40 community environmental projects across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland has received $337,250 through the 2026 Victorian Landcare Grants for 22 environmental projects and 18 support grants, backing koala habitat restoration, Tarwin River revegetation and community nature education initiatives.
• West Gippsland community invited to document local biodiversity during first-ever month-long West Gippy Bio-Blitz citizen science projects
  West Gippsland CMA is inviting residents to join its first Bio-Blitz throughout October, documenting local plants and wildlife through iNaturalist to build a snapshot of the region’s biodiversity.
• Victoria funds hundreds of landcare projects with $3.58M environmental investment across communities and regions
  Victoria’s 2026 Landcare Grants provide $3.58 million statewide, including $337,250 for West Gippsland projects restoring habitat, waterways and landscapes while supporting volunteers, families and young people.
• West Gippsland Landcare celebrates 40 Years of environmental action and community connection
  More than 150 Landcare supporters celebrated 40 years of West Gippsland Landcare, reflecting on achievements, community connections and future opportunities for resilient landscapes and sustainable farming.
• Baw Baw Shire expands environmental rebate to encourage reusable products, cut waste and boost community sustainability
  Baw Baw Shire Council has expanded its environmental rebate into three categories, helping residents buy reusable products, reduce landfill waste, improve recycling, and support more sustainable households through partial purchase rebates.
• Flight Test Range Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting Gippsland's drone and aerospace industries and economic diversification
  A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport will support drone and aerospace innovation, attract investment and create jobs across Gippsland's emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector.
• East Gippsland Council adopts 2025–26 Annual Report, highlighting infrastructure investment, community services and financial sustainability
  East Gippsland Shire Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights $30.4 million in capital works, community services and economic development. Despite a $7.7 million operating surplus, Council recorded a $3.1 million underlying deficit.
• Celebrate the Lakes event highlighting Gippsland Lakes diversity and environmental projects protecting vital local ecosystems
  The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will host Celebrate the Lakes at Eagle Point, showcasing Gippsland Lakes biodiversity, environmental projects and community efforts protecting local waterways, wetlands and wildlife.