The Andrews Labor Government is teaming up with the community and a
squad of dogs, to help the Eastern Barred Bandicoot step back from the edge of
extinction on mainland Australia.

Highlighting the Guardian Dog trial program, the Minister for
Environment, Climate Change & Water, Lisa Neville today met Albus, the 4
month old Maremma Sheep Dog who is an ambassador for the program that will see
a team of six Guardian Dogs trained to protect Eastern Barred Bandicoots.

This trial is inspired by the Middle Island Maremma Project, where
Guardian Dogs have successfully protected Little Penguins near Warrnambool,
enabling the population to flourish.  As
part of the trial, Maremma Guardian Dogs act as bandicoot bodyguards,
protecting them from feral cats and foxes.

Once thought to be lost forever in Victoria, less than 50 Eastern Barred
Bandicoots were rediscovered living amongst a pile of wrecked cars at the
Hamilton tip in the late 1980s. Since the discovery, Melbourne Zoo has bred 650
Bandicoots, with many released at protected feral-proof fenced areas in
Hamilton, Mount Rothwell and Woodlands Historic Park.

The Labor Government has contributed $100,000 towards the trial, as part
of the broader Eastern Barred Bandicoot recovery program. In addition to the
Government’s contribution, community donations have helped the trial become a
reality.

One of those generous donors is 6-year-old Isaac Busuttil, who raised
almost $500 towards the program by asking his friends and family to contribute
money to the cause rather than buy him presents for his 6^th
Birthday.

The first Guardian Dog trial is planned to take place at Tiverton Station, a private piece of land in
Western Victoria where two dogs will work to protect Bandicoots after their
release.

Maremmas have proven themselves
as excellent livestock guardian dogs. They are a working breed and not suited
to a lifestyle as backyard pets.

Quotes attributable to Minister
for Environment, Lisa Neville:

“The Eastern Barred Bandicoot is considered ‘extinct in the wild’ on
mainland Australia, and with this Guardian Dog trial we have the rare
opportunity to begin to bring an animal back from extinction.”

“This trial could herald a new approach to conservation for many of our
threatened species.”

 “Across Australia a number of
species are facing extinction, and the Labor Government is working to protect
these  species wherever possible through
innovative projects such as the Guardian Dog trial.”

Quotes attributable to Member for
Werribee and Treasurer Tim Pallas

“I am excited to be here at Werribee Zoo to meet Albus and support this
innovative trial that could potentially bring a species back from extinction in
this state.”

“I commend
those people in Werribee and all across Victoria who have donated more than
$190,000 towards the Guardian Dog trial during Zoo Victoria’s recent appeal.”