US President Donald Trump can't get money for his big Mexican border fence, but The Nationals in NSW have had no trouble in sourcing $37.5million to fund an extension to the wild dog fence in western NSW.
Especially with an election just four weeks away, some may suggest.
Once the extension by 742km to the existing fence is completed NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro says it will be the longest fence in the world.
At the moment the fence runs south from Cameron Corner for 257km, and east by 349km to Hungerford. The plan will see it extend east by a further 420km to Mungindi and south by 322km to near the Murray.
Work is scheduled to start in July on the fence that will provide 85 jobs.
Mr Barilaro said wild dogs were causing NSW farmers and their communities "significant emotional stress and anxiety, putting in danger the future of their livestock and farms".
“With prolonged drought conditions already impacting on farming businesses, it’s never been more important to protect our farmers from the threat of pests," he said.
The Nationals outgoing member for Barwon Kevin Humphries talks about the dog fence in this video shot today:
Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair said wild dogs cost the NSW economy around $22 million every year. “This investment will not only mean an increase in productivity for farmers, it will also help protect our native animals and will give an extra level of defence against biosecurity threats coming in over the border,” Mr Blair said.
“Roughly 85 jobs, both direct and indirect, would be created through building this project, while a further seven jobs will be required to manage the extended fence.
“It’s a win for producers, a win for the environment and a win in ongoing protection for our State.”
Work will begin from July 2019 and is expected to take two years.
Lachlan Gall from the Pastoralists' Association of West Darling said the project would provide valuable jobs in Broken Hill with the drought continuing.
The State Government has waived wild dog fence rates during the drought. A team of 12 people inspect the fence every two weeks.