IT IS “only a matter of time” before someone in a remote community is injured or killed by a wandering feral animal because of a federal government failure to fund a shortfall in installing fencing and stock grids.
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That is the view of Roper Gulf Regional Council mayor Tony Jack, who said he was concerned about 100 buffaloes making themselves at home on Barunga’s oval each night could put the 3000 people expected to converge on the community for its annual festival next month at risk.
“It's only a matter of time before the uncontrolled populations of buffalo, cattle, horses and donkeys cause injury or death,” he said.
“In less than three weeks, we will have more than 3000 visitors camping at Barunga.
“Last year, buffaloes walked and ran through camps and backstage at the festival.”
The council had budgeted $32,000 for animal control works worth $270,000, but a failed Aboriginal Benefit Account grant submission for the difference quashed the plan.
Councillor Jack said stakeholders needed to take urgent action on the situation.
