Last week the NSW government-run Central West Local Land Services (CWLLS) released its Central Tablelands Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan (CTRSPAMP), which applies to Orange, Bathurst, Blayney, Cowra, Lithgow, Molong, Mudgee and Oberon.

The plan will guide the allocation of resources dedicated to pest management in the region through to 2023.

Last month, CWLLS senior biosecurity officer Alistair Gordon-Smith told the Central Western Daily there were an estimated 10-20 wild dogs in the Mullion Creek and Clergate areas, while towards Bathurst and through to Lithgow, numbers were approaching hundreds.

The CTRSPAMP aims to reduce their devastating effect of stocks of sheep, goats and calves through a series of “landholder-driven” strategies, including baiting and trapping measures.

Other animals identified as pests in the region include feral cats, pigs and goats, European red foxes, wild rabbits and deer, European starlings, Indian myna birds, and carp.

CWLLS officer Paul Gibb said the development of regional pest animal committees was a pivotal part on the final plan.

“The plan was written in consultation with stakeholders and the community to ensure it was fit for purpose for the Central Tablelands,” he said.

“It was also open for public comment for six weeks, and we ran six sessions across the region to ensure everyone had their chance for input.”

Mr Gibb said the pests’ devastating impact on the region’s farmers wasn’t limited to killing or injuring livestock.

“We know the huge impact pest animals have on primary production, communities and our natural environment, and they also pose very real biosecurity risks through spreading weeds and disease,” he said.

“On top of this they prey on native animals and livestock, and can cause land erosion and waterway degradation.”

The plans are part of the NSW government’s response to the statewide independent review conducted by the Natural Resource Commission.