Wild Dogs Prove Dangerous in Merriwa

BY BRIDGET GUNN

Wild packs of dogs and wedge tailed eagles are wrecking havoc on farms around Merriwa.

The animals have been responsible for killing numerous sheep over the past few months.

Farmer Chris Kemp says numbers of dogs have risen lately as they are becoming less susceptible to previously effective culling techniques, such as the use of poisoned bait.

"The National Park needs to propose a review of the ways they control the dogs. We need major recognition of the State Government of the problem, and to allocate more funding so trapping programs can be funded.

"If they keep killing the way there are, there will be no more native animals left in the National Park."

Source: The Australian

Fletcher Rezoning Cancelled

Newcastle Council has decided not to proceed with the rezoning of land at Fletcher, a welcomed call from local residents.

Council decided not to allow rezoning, calling it crucial to the nearby wetlands.

Locals have been lobbying for years to keep the Green Corridor at  505 Minmi Road, since it is the land piece of land before State owned National Parks.

Wall-to-wall housing was inevitable if the rezoning went ahead.  (Image courtesy of Hannah Walmsley via ABC)

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery belives the rezoning would have had rather negative effects for the local region, saying "it would have meant that the area in the long-term would be less attractive.

"It would have taken away that important link for our flora and fauna".

Had it been approved, the rezoning would have brought forth low-density
housing in the area.