Fixing the fence: Rebuilding the aging outback dog fence | Wide Open Spaces #4 | ABC Australia
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ก.ย. 2024
- The dog fence is the longest continuous fence in the world and was built to keep wild dogs out of Australian sheep farms. But it's seen better days, and a new 16-hundred-kilometre stretch is now being rebuilt. In 2020 Landline's Prue Adams was there for the start of this epic five-year project. And we warn this story contains graphic images of mauled sheep.
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Been out there, seen it all and it STILL amazes me that animals can be farmed on such barren, hot, dry land. Its incredible.
Oh thank you so very deeply for covering this amazing story. I was a city kid that turned up on Mullyungarie when Buddy Napier gave me a start back in the early ‘80’s and spend a few of my happiest ever years working there with my best mate Lloyd Russel, gday Pink lol, and oh the memories you’ve brought back. Stringing that same fence by hand, driving in the posts by hand oh yeah and roasting in that sun, especially when repainting the Mullyungarie sign on the roof in 40+ degree heat, yeah, thanks for that boss, lol, oh how I hope you are all well and so successful. Thank you for the best experiences of my young life at the time, helped make me the man that I now am, thank you and thank you auntie for filming this to make a very weary old man feel young and alive again
We need longer documentaries like these
I did work as part of a 2 man team for a month mid 60's) with an aged bloke (back then) as he had an injury and needed a hand while I was on annual leave from the then SA Railways.
Quite an adventure and memories while in my retired life.
OMG I had no idea that the ABC did balanced journalism.
Maybe it's just the ones away from the madness of cities.
I love outback
My mate is a shooter working between Geralton and Meekatharra in WA and he tells me there are not many native dingos but heaps of ferrals
I was in a cattle station somewhere in the Outback of Qld, in Bangor for 10months and i learned to love the cattle stn life. Learned fixing the fences and i have a commendation from the owner that i was doing a micked job in fixing the fences. But as a Tourist, i worked there without compensation for 10months but i loved it. I came home becoz my visa expired😪
Did you agree to working just for a place to live? Cause otherwise its very illegal in australia to not be paid fairly... if you had the skightest bit of proof that you worked there, you could easily report the farm and claim for wages.. it provably felt like being part of some farming family but if it didnt and they didnt give you any benefit, thats crappy
Awesome! As a young bloke (probably still now) I always wanted to "run the fence" as I called it. Travel from one end to the other. in Later years I thought working on it would be cool (but tough) but of course now nearing retirement, who knows??
I have a pure breed dingo 1/2 desert dingo, 1/2 alpine dingo and she is a sweet heart, highly intelligent.
They're still illegal I wouldn't be saying that out loud
@@jamief.8489 That all depends on the state you live in. In NSW and WA it's legal. In VIC and NT you need a permit. The rest...not a chance!
Alpine dingoes are pretty
Why do they remove the old fence?
Just leave it there, it might not be perfect but it helps.
Like a franga with a few pin holes it only takes a little hole to make the whole thing useless.
Exactlly my thoughts too
Live stock get caught up in them, and the old fence gets in the way of maintaining the new one.
Makes sense @@Robert-cu9bm, thanks for the answer - from South Africa
animals get past it and end up in the narrow gap inbetween and so you end up with a huge amount of dead bodies there which attract more animals etc. its ends up a kill zone
OMG I had no idea that the ABC did balanced journalism.
Maybe it's just the ones away from the madness of cities.
Not here in usa... its 99 percent fake news propaganda....lets go brandon🤡🤡🤡
Yeah, Landline, foreign affairs and the rural elements of ABC Local Radio tend to be a different kettle of fish to the ABC most people are familiar with, sadly. In fact, while reporting the conflict and violence in Alice Springs, a very controversial event occurred at a community meeting attended by the PM where the ABC Local reporters were isolated from the event in favour of the national news staff, and the reporting took a vastly different approach from when it was done by the local reporters who understood the situation on the ground. It highlights how varied the reporting quality and political focus of the ABC can be between its different specialised media units.
Love the outback 👍 very quiet fantastic landscape 👌👍
i grew up in it :) :)
Stations that have dog fence in South Australia that I have worked on are, Mount Lyndhurst, Mount Freeling, Witchelina, and Murnpeowie stations.
Fond memories of Murnpeowie station crew when we walked into their lease on Mt Hopeless (from Arkaroola) in May 2001, 8 or 9 days from memory.
They left a furphy cart with washing and drinking water for us at the abandoned homestead, where we camped overnight before Doug Sprigg picked us up from the old airstrip.
We had to cross the old dog fence near Mt Yerilla, actually I think there was a really dilapidated fence slightly south of a more solid one.
It was one of our most interesting adventures ever on foot, carrying everything and some long stretches between waterholes / springs for water.
Great job
Would love this job i would even walk it no problem camp out wire and snipers
Kylie cairns Is an idealist not a pastoralist. She is living in a dream world. If she was running a property she would either go broke or change her tune.
Reading some of her "science" actually discredits the discipline, it seemed ambiguous and selective, and conciliatory towards what is a serious pest species for some. And would compromise attempts to preserve that pest, as it is also a native species (like roos) that has a valid case for protection in some areas. And fostering hybridisation isn't protection.
Nothing wrong with dingos just like there’s nothing wrong with crocs. But if you see them on the side of the fence they aren’t supposed to be on then they are fair game. Laws are laws. It’s the sad part of life but it is what it is. But having said that if you have packs on the north side or west side and they are out of control then like any infestation you need a cull
If u cull the dingoes, will that affect the breeding up of roos?
They would go bazerk. Kangaroos breed like wildfire.
Roos go where man puts water out in these parts, no stopping that.
But dingoes will go for the easiest food source, and that is definitely sheep out that way.
@@lesskinner8588 they prey on rabbits goats piglets cats and foxes too , they help to control many feral pests. in all reality sheep and cattle shouldn't even be in Australia . the amount of damage pastoralists have done to our country in 200 years is genocide for all of Australia . and must be a hot and miserable life for the cattle and sheep in those climates
Roos have been here way way longer than Dingo . Dingo are not native to Australia. They've only been here a few thousand years .
We did bury the fence 2'6" under the ground to stop the dogs burrowing under...didn't notice this new fence line doing the same.
Very good point.
By the looks of the old fence line, the sand and soil will have it buried a few feet deep in a year or 2
Looking at the end of the video 12:56, you can see the 90 degree bent wire on the bottom, not doubt facing the north.
Probably enough to stop them, but would soon be under the sand.
Stunning fence. I would like one around my property.
me too
Any reason these sheep/ cattle ranchers don’t use Great Pyrenees dogs to keep out the wild dogs? Here in the states we use Pyrenees to keep away coyotes.
Because it's to hot?
Gonna need a bigger fence fellas 🐶
Was thinking they should have gone 10' at least, suppose they might be able to top post it later and more wire atop.
Quote from JAWS
gonna need a bigger...
Isnt it called the dingo fence?
emu fence coz those buggers tear down dog fences
No, because killing dingoes doesn't go down as well with the public as killing wild dogs.
Dingo's originally from southern China were brought to Australia by man and so they are NOT native to Australia.
The Canis familiaris dingo are wild dogs that eats native Australian animals and live stock.
There are no native cattle and sheep. They were all imported, just like the camels
@@Automedon2 No one said they were native, the sentence separated/differentiated Australian animals from Live stock with the word *and* 👍
I reckon if you have been here for 8,000yrs you can call yourself a native.
@@Automedon2 Who would have thought?
they have been here for around 10,000 years and have become an integral part of the ecosystem . they are native now
Can't imagine how much disruption the fence causes for native flora and fauna. Wherever agriculture goes, ecological destruction follows.
Why don't they just leave both fences in place? Double protection.
Same reason you don't leave the old bridge up when you replace it with a new one...it's just old junk that needs to be cleared away....
That's exactly what I was thinking and also it may trap the dingoes in between the two for good target practice whilst maintaining a piece of history.
@@JohnSmith-pl2bk It's not just junk, it's a piece of history that doesn't need to be cleared away.
Great Video Demonstrating Needs for Australian’s that Need Fixing
Dogs arrived hear from Asia , so dogs ( dingoes) are not native to Australia!
Am I missing something ?
@Anthony Marks That's actually a very good point!
neither are sheep
Northern Point of the rabbit proof fence is at cape keraudren pardoo w.a 6721
Wrong fence!
Dingos are introduced, a long time ago. But still introduced.
Like the sheep and cattle - brought to Australia 200 years ago.
4000-8000 years is a long time i guess
they have been here for around 10,000 years and have become an integral part of the ecosystem . they are native now
It's the last remaining piece of the great EMU war .., those damn emu's
very good
Good reporting. Now that the evidence is in (DNA etc). They are Dingo's (basically wolves) not dogs. Please stop participating in the propaganda and call it a Dingo fence and not a Dog fence. Whilst I feel for the farmers I'm pretty sure farmers felt the same way about the Tasmanian Tiger.
The DNA analysis of dogs/dingoes cauught proved that some were indeed wild dogs and come were interbred dog/dingo. So there is nothing wrong or right about calling it a dog fence.
Dingoes are no more wolves than they are domestic dogs.
The genetic information is interesting simply due to the way it is presented and how confusing this is. Some is misleading & contradictory it seems, particularly around colour, and purity and type seem fluid concepts for some.
It has also been proven that Dingos are great for the environment because they keep down feral animal (cat and fox) numbers. This debate has always been emotionally in favour of the farmers. The rediculous part is farming in the outback, it is not suited for stock farming, when ever there is drought or flood the tax payers have to prop up the farms. What percentage of wool production comes from these massive pastoral leases in the Dingos traditional home? The farmers never want to look at the option of living with the environment, it is always their way or no way at all.
@@BigRedsCrib where else is there vast amounts of land for farming that isn't deemed more valuable land for housing and infrastructure?
@@Ren-io4mw Sounds like the solution is changing zoning laws to end urban sprawl so farms can be built in greener lands closer to their customers.
i had a Dog tested by Kylie as part of this study. N.E Vic
I hope they can buy the wire and post from Australian manufactures.
Why not leave both fences up?
Same reason you don't leave the old bridge up when you replace it with a new one...it's just old junk that needs to be cleared away....
@@JohnSmith-pl2bk 1. Although the original fence had proven to be ineffective in places, having that second fence still would some extra protection.
2. Considering it's historical significance, I'd hardly call the old fence "old junk".
3. For what does it need to be cleared away for? It's not a bridge in a city where space is at a premium. There's nothing to be build in its place.
@@JohnSmith-pl2bk they turned the old bridge into a pedestrian bridge when it got replaced near me
Remember the Tasmanian Tigers?
There is a movie about this quite good called rabbit proof fence look it up
Interesting
Hate to say it but Sheep weren't meant to be out there!
Neither are the farmers, they shouldn't be there . We're destroying Australia so that we can feed southeast Asia I don't think that's a good deal
Neither are domestic dogs gone wild
Just wait until the deer to turn up, the dingos will have more food than they’ll know what to with it
I've watched a fox climb a 8 ft "T" fence to get into a large chicken pen. You really think it's going to work?
Why would I find myself doubting the knowledge of the city bound clinical laboratory loyal scientist but believing the example of the outback on location experience suffering grazier ?
Because you're under 30 you've been trained to think that everything is a conspiracy.Why don't they know that cutting down the trees stops the rain and destroys the if they're so smart ? the city people know that
The dingoes were there before the sheep. The farmers made the stupid choice of introducing sheep into dingo territory, what do you think is going to happen...they all shake hands and have dinner together? NO!
@@jamief.8489 If being sarcastic, good point. If not, pretty sad, and a reflection of what seems to be a major trend, fostered by social media genius.
Ironically the ‘protected side’ is full of Foxes and cats, the dingo side has a healthy population of native mammals and minimum feral animals. They’re most likely native Dingoes, calling them ‘dogs’ is a way to desensitise people about the mass slaughter of an important apex predator.
Seems there are dingo types and dog types, quite dominant in some areas IF the sampling was done well. The conflicting information introduces questions if that crucial step is done validly in all studies. Reporting of these studies also selects some information out of context, and those emotionally involved pounce on points that fit their narrative.
It's hard to believe dingoes are not being "crossed out" through interbreeding, and this may have been for literally centuries, since first Europeans arrived with their dogs.
Funny how forgiving people are when it is someone else who is losing money.
Almost like money isn't the only thing to worry about in life.
If Dr mosbey's lively hood was being eaten by these animals , im sure she would be singing a different tune
Just hope someone does something about the dog fence in the piliga nsw
I would have kept the original fence. Historical significance and double protection. Not like they needed the space.
I would have also assumed that if taking down the old fence was absolutely necessary, parts of it would be placed in a museum. No sentimentality.
I’m sure it’s great working on construction of a beneficial fence, that most Aussies don’t even know about. The speed at which the fence is going up is amazing, & I can’t believe how desert like it is out there, & wonder how sheep & cattle even exist. I’m assuming it’s a benefit to keeping wild pigs at bay too. Cheers 🍻
It does seem like the most inhospitable land to raise livestock, especially a heavy coated animal like a wool sheep, but they manage to do it.
Pretty sure everyone knows of the rabbit proof fence mate
@@maxl3189, pretty sure you're thinking of the wrong fence, mate. 😂
So the fance is not Australian made.
Not surprise, lot of manufacturing jobs lost overseas again. ?Politicians need to cut out their tax payed dinner and maybe could have had Australian made product.
Dingo's are NOT native to Australia
sheep either
They were here long before sheep and cattle and European settlers though… not sure what your point is?… The “dingo problem” has only existed since 1788…
@@Automedon2 lol yr funny not
Dingoes also control CATZ and foxes...😰
Don’t the dogs just burrow under the fence?
They must get through if they're killing that many inside the fences.
The mesh is embedded in a way that if the dogs start digging near the fence they are on top of it and so will not get past it, at least I think that is how it is done.
Farmers need to receive those big subsidies to break even.
Unfortunately you’re talking to farmers who have spent generations obliterating native wildlife for an industry that makes almost no money.
Compulsory blanket baiting is not a good idea and goes against standard integrated pest control. Free feeding, and monitoring should be undertaken to determine whether baiting should be conducted and to what extent. This helps prevent non target species being impacted and ensures effective baiting programs.
It all cool and science until you get chased down by a pack. It get real very fast.
I sure it's called a / the DINGO FENCE
All good for that researcher to say don’t kill the dog’s from her well paid research job, try running a business in a drought and feeding a family
Stop blaming nature for farmers mistakes. Some areas are suitable for farming and some aren't...deal with it!
spot on. Most people (probably living in inner city) have no idea. These dogs are not dingos. They are mongrel wild dogs which have crossbred with dingos
@@lard_lad_AUthey did DNA testing on wild dogs caught in western nsw and the vast majority were considered dingo although that wasn’t 100% pure. I think we get to bogged down in what to call them though. If you want to call them dogs dingoes or wild dogs they’re still creating. Massive mount of damage and need to be culled.
What other animals does that keep out besides dogs. Prob a real shit eco system south of the fence
At least the dogs don't eat everything that grows,sheep eat everything green, that's how you got the desert
We need more words like Jackeroo.
Need to regenerate the landscape with reforestation projects as well or nothing else will change
Moving the farmers is the issue they don't seem to understand the damage they're doing . Draining the Artesian Basin for cattle that was supposed to keep the trees alive ,but everybody says the farmers can do no wrong
@@jamief.8489 i think most farmers need to be offered the regenerative alternatives needed. Farmers are fine people, and well suited to the toughness of being on the land. They could be the answer though. I hope the change comes asap.
Apparently when the dingo family structure collapses they are more likely to go for livestock.
The sheep farmers opinion is valid when he states the number of sheep he has lost. It must be heart breaking for him to find a dozen or more of his stock laying on the ground still alive and each one has their stomach ripped open and the liver torn out whilst the poor animal dies a lingering death.
Allowing Dingos to control Roo populations is a good idea but when the Roos number hundreds or more in an area the dog is only chipping away at the surface. If the National Party, who represent these farmers, made the Liberal government put a lot more funding into this problem instead of criminalising charities for criticising goverment policy or any other ideological percieved threat which they deemed unacceptable.
If only Dingos would only target cats.
They probably do, and also possibly piglets & foxes, and in some situations/seasons may provide useful control input. Dog types would do the same, possibly even better.
If commercially viable, shooters could possibly control roos in some areas at least in the absence of canines.
Have you ever eaten a cat?
Dont like mutton but i would forcefully eat that over cat and how
👍
Just sell hunting trips to Americans! seriously people will pay to hunt coyotes in Australia.
Unbelievable..
mountaindogs,pyrenese,akba karabash and more are the solution
Because these stations are huge and the livestock is very dispersed. A guard dog would be lucky if it protected half a dozen sheep.
Brasil
I hope these rancher's can win the fight against the loss of livestock, I'm afraid the animal rights activist will eventually get their way and the ranchers will be screwed. It was obvious the biologist in the film has no clue as how little good electric fences, guard animals and taking out only the dogs caught in the act of killing livestock...she's a typical govt employee with lots of education and no common sense
Loader,not a dozer
Sheep shouldn't be there. Let the dogs eat!!!
The "dogs" aren't native
Got nothing on the tooth brush fence.
Get rid of all wild dogs as they are no use to anyone
I support legal dingo immigration. BUILD THIS WALL!!!
Three build three not two, think about it guys come on, its not that hot out back is it.
dont let the eco warriors get wind of this.
Are dingos like wolves and unsuitable for domestication?
Basically, couple people a year get attacked by them in tourist spots because people feed them or forget to put food away.
I thought this fence was to keep the locals out of our corn fields
One company owns more land than 30% of the worlds population 😇😇
These sheep farmers need the maremma dogs that guard livestock.
Do you realise how big and remote these proprties are?
why not use guard dogs like Kangals like they are used in other places.
Because these stations are huge and the livestock is very dispersed. A guard dog would be lucky if it protected half a dozen sheep.
If not a dog will be another animals comming
Dingo or not if it's a pest it's a pest
Take the fence down and get your self a large dog to protect the flock
Not so easy if you got 10000 acres and several thousand sheep 😂
Colonial australian being Colonial Australia. horrible project
Why don't farmers fence there properties? Take ownership
did you not watch and comprehend every second of the video
The middle ground needs to be found. They're more important to the ecosystem than sheep, though I understand the horrible nuisance that it causes
Why do they run sheep... cattle would be better for the dingos as a whole
@@josephbradshaw3294 coz you can hide bones under wool
Politely ask the dingo to stop eating sheep!
Dog fence? I thought it was a Rabbit fence.
Different state mate!
That's the movies name
Don't need it anymore
If these are dingos we are talking about well they were there before the farmers. The answer is that the farmers should farm other livestock like buffalo instead of rearing an invasive species.
Buffalo are invasive 😂
Rabbits?
' people ' don't mind them being poisoned
breed more sheep dogs to protect the sheep
It doesn’t work like that. I assume you mean the guardian dogs and not the breeds like kelpies that work the stock? The areas are just far to large for LGDs to patrol. They are brilliant for smaller paddocks but not these massive ones.
right... livestock...
we all know why.
These poor dingos. Bait the farmers instead. I grew up on a livestock farm and we never killed our beautiful dogs. We shot fox’s and feral cats usually.
Did you have sheep?
nothing wrong with dingos just the average aussie has got lazy
This kylie has no clue
Its not a wide open space
A wired huge space
Fencing your property
Shooting Horses ,kangaroos ,Dingos wild dogs, pigs ,Camels.goats donkeys ..
And so forthrightness
Get some Kangals.
They don’t work in such vast areas with comparatively small stock numbers.