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Abstract:

This paper presents a brief summary of an economic analysis of alternative feral goat

management strategies (no control, opportunistic harvesting, value added and goat-proof

fencing) and their implications for natural resource management policies in NSW rangelands.

Opportunistic and value added strategies are profitable for landholders. The profitability of

investment in goat proof fencing to support livestock production could be comparable to

current goat management practices if moderate increases in carrying capacity can be achieved

through improved grazing management. Financial incentives that are based directly on

measured resource condition (e.g. ground cover) and encourage investment in exclusion

fencing and improved management would be preferable to incentives supporting goat

harvesting activities. These activities are not necessarily favourable to resource conservation

as they are driven by goat price rather than population and are, in any event, profitable for

landholders. A ‘no control’ strategy has adverse economic consequences for pastoral

properties.