Dingoes, not just a wild dog

By Matt Romania

An organisation committed to the conservation of Australia’s native dingoes is on a mission.

Nestled in the picturesque foothills of Toolern Vale, the Australian Dingo Foundation, a notfor-profit operates the 40-acre Dingo Discovery Sanctuary and Research Centre with a primary aim to correct distorted information, uphold the reputation of dingoes, and continue conversations about how dingo conservation and landholders can coexist.

Kevin Newman from the Foundation said the aim is to educate, conserve and conduct non-invasive research about and for dingoes.

“Despite their significance, dingoes certainly do have a PR problem,” he said.

“Dingoes have unique characteristics, including their breeding cycle, intelligent nature, monogamous relationships, and importantly, their native status in Australia.”

Recent studies support this, showing most dingoes in Australia are purebred, unjustly labeled as ‘wild dogs.’ Dingoes have been integral to Australia for over 5,000 years. As per the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act(EPBC), any animal existing before 1400 AD in Australia is legally considered native. Dingoes fall into this category and are protected on public land, but not on private property or within 3km of private property.

Misconceptions revolving around dingoes

They are not just wild dogs; they’re a separate species with unique behavioural and physiological characteristics. Dingoes don’t pose a significant threat to humans and avoid human contact unless habituated.

• They aren’t responsible for large scale livestock deaths - domestic dogs and foxes often have a greater impact.

• Most importantly, they are indeed native to Australia, their genetic diversity varying across different regions.

Mr Newman said conservation of dingoes is vital, given their ecological importance in Australia.

“The dingo’s role in indigenous dreamtime stories underscores their cultural significance, contributing to their status as an iconic Australian species. As the apex land mammal in Australia, the dingo plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature by controlling populations of large herbivores and introduced pests. Their importance is recognised by their listing as a threatened species under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and the Wildlife Act 1975.”

Learn more about the Australian Dingo Foundation’s work - or get involved as volunteer or sponsor - at https://dingofoundation.org

Round 5 Community Grant & Scholarship Fund

Round Five of the Community Grant fund will be a joint round for Moorabool North and South. Applications will be opening 21st July.

Community Grant

Aimed to offer financial support for projects that will provide lasting benefits, promote positive and long-term results for the local community and promote sustainability.

Scholarship Fund

Applications will be welcomed from eligible students. Scholarships can be awarded to a community member undertaking studies from any age, for any level of education (e.g. primary, secondary, tertiary) and will be decided based on eligibility and the selection criteria noted in the guidelines.

Landscape and Visual Screening Program

Owners of residential dwellings within 4km of the wind farm are invited to participate in a landscape and visual screening program, designed to reduce the potential visual impacts of the project for our closest neighbours. All agreed works are undertaken by Moorabool Wind Farm at no cost to dwelling owners.

The program is now closed for Moorabool North and will end on 30th Sept 2023 for Moorabool South. Please contact us if you have not previously participated and would like to register your interest.