THIS week's meeting in Cooma proved a historic event for the management of wild dogs in the south east.
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History was made when a senior staff member from the National Parks and Wildlife Service moved a motion to continue supporting and evolving the current wild dog/fox management plans throughout the south east.
This is significant because it is confirmation that one of the biggest land managers in the south east is committed to solving one of the longest running battles that farmers have to face - wild dogs.
The fact the motion was seconded by the State's newest agency, the Local Land Services, only adds weight to this commitment.
Other motions were passed including the formation of a pest animal controller's course with significantly more investment and mentoring than the current five-day course available through the Department of Primary Industries.
A motion calling for a nil tenure approach to pest animal management by the region's other large land manager - the State Forest Corporation - was also welcomed.
Most motions were passed unanimously and subsequently put to the Cooma DC meeting and passed.
They will now be put forward for action or debate at our annual conference in July.
The meeting was a great illustration of democracy in action.
It was the conflicting views of those present that allowed others to form an informed opinion and to vote for what they feel will work for wild dog/fox management.
The fact State and federal politicians from different parties attended and gave commitments to support the plans in the south east is also testament to the power of a grassroots organisation.
We have come a long way in dealing with the wild dog issue in the south east despite the detractors.
Dr Penelope Marshall gave a stirring presentation on the other dog - "the black dog" - and the fact we are talking about it now when 30 years ago it was a taboo subject, is testament to that progress.
Stakeholders overwhelmingly agreed that to comply with the legislation, which demands core breeding areas for dingoes, both financial and professional resources must be directed to the front line in the long term.
With support from all sides, we will get these management plans working in the south east and one day, our region will do what it does best - grow the best food and fibre - without fear of stock losses.
