Byron Shire is home to dozens of dingoes that play a vital role in the health of our native ecosystems, and have a vital place in the creation stories of some of our First Nations people.
But these native animals are too often dismissed as ‘wild dogs’ and, in some cases, are caught up in trapping and other culling practices that target non-native species.
Now, steps are being taken to walk the fine line between protecting our dingoes without allowing feral dogs and foxes off the hook.
Motion recognising that dingoes are native
Byron Council passed a motion at last week’s meeting, recognising that dingoes are native to the Shire, have an important ecological role, and are worthy of protection and care.
Councillors will hold a dedicated workshop in the coming weeks to explore non-lethal tools and practices to manage dingoes on private property.
The workshop will also explore ways to avoid trapping, baiting, shooting and otherwise killing dingoes whilst still controlling other animals that are pests or are creating environmental damage.
Significance of dingo in creation story
During the public access section of the meeting, Minjungbal descendant, Lionel Currie, spoke of the significance of the dingo in his creation story.
‘The dingo is a very significant animal for my people,’ Mr Currie said.
Independent councillor, Sama Balson, who moved the dingo protection motion, described them as a ‘keystone species in the Shire’.
She told the chamber, ‘When we kill and trap dingoes, we are also taking out the apex predator that helps keep down the fox and feral cat population.’
Councillor Alan Hunter, also an Independent, said that local farmers needed to be part of the conversation.
‘I don’t think we’re truly representative here – there’s not enough representation of the farmers who’ve had to deal with dingoes for a long time,’ Cr Hunter said.
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