The Marshall Liberal Government has taken the first step in the $25 million rebuild of 1,600 kilometres of the South Australian Dog Fence with initial procurement information for prospective suppliers and contractors released today.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said the State Government recognises the impact of wild dogs on the livestock industry and the urgency in starting the rebuild process.

“The release of the supply notification is the first step in the procurement process for interested suppliers and contractors to understand the requirements and scale of the rebuild,” said Minister Whetstone.

“The information released today provides suppliers and contractors with an overview of what will be considered in the merit-based awarding of contracts for this project so they can start to prepare and plan their applications. 

“There will be two components of the dog fence rebuild – the supply of materials and the creation of a panel of fencing contractors.

“We are anticipating significant interest in participating in the dog fence rebuild ahead of a call for tenders later this year. The State Government has policies in place to ensure eligible local businesses are given opportunities to benefit from and bid for work on major government projects such as this.”

Minister Whetstone said the rebuild, jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State Governments and industry, is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to provide a reliable barrier against the incursion of wild dogs in the pastoral areas.

“Drought has exacerbated the impact of wild dogs on South Australia’s $4.3 billion livestock industry and it is vital we do everything we can to keep them out of pastoral sheep country and the southern agricultural zone,” said Minister Whetstone.

“More than two-thirds of the 2,150 kilometre South Australian dog fence is beyond its serviceable life, that’s why we need to ensure we get the rebuild right.

“Much of this fence is more than 100 years old and is ageing and brittle and being heavily impacted by large native animals such as kangaroos and emus, feral camels, wild dogs, weather events, sand erosion, rust and corrosion.

“This rebuild will benefit the pastoral industry and supporting outback communities through reduced wild dog management costs, employment opportunities and choices about whether they choose to run sheep or cattle.”

The Dog Fence Rebuild Supply Notification document is available from www.tenders.sa.gov.au