Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the proposed $18 million scheme is being funded through a one-off Queensland Treasury Corporation loan to Longreach Regional Council, which will cover the cost of 2500 kilometres of exclusion fencing infrastructure on the land of more than 63 ratepayers in the region.

Longreach Regional Council Mayor Ed Warren said this was a game-changer for the central west region.

“It’s no exaggeration to say this scheme will revitalise the sheep and wool industry, and the economic prosperity of our region,” Mr Warren said.

“With the fencing protection of livestock, graziers can now restock with confidence,” he said.

The Longreach Mayor said an increase of 200,000 sheep is estimated over the next five years, an increase of around 40% on current sheep, once the scheme is operational.

Premier Palaszczuk said that with sheep, come shearers and additional local economic activity in towns in western Queensland.

“The council estimate an increase of 130 jobs in the region, along with potential population increase of around 500 people related to the increase in jobs, once the scheme is operational,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“We want to see rural and regional economies and communities thriving, and I commend Longreach Regional Council on their innovative thinking with this initiative,” she said.

Addressing State Parliament, the Premier said the QTC loan and existing Palaszczuk Government support, there are projections that 5300 kilometres of wild dog fencing could be erected in the future.