Targeted funding aims to rid the flooded north of feral pigs
The Queensland Government is stepping up efforts to manage feral pig populations during the state’s flood recovery, engaging experienced contractors in aerial shooting activities across north-west Queensland.
This initiative aims to prevent a surge in feral pig numbers, with operations set to commence in the coming weeks and continue as conditions allow.
The Queensland Department of Primary Industries, alongside the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, is driving response plans focused on predator pests across the Gulf of Carpentaria in areas like the Flinders and Gilbert River catchments.
Conditions created by Queensland’s record-breaking monsoon season have created an opportune moment to reduce feral pests’ population density.
Feral pigs cause widespread damage to agriculture, the environment, and waterways, carrying disease and preying on livestock.
With floodwaters high, feral pigs remain confined to higher ground or slow-moving through boggy terrain, presenting ideal conditions for targeted aerial control measures.
The response forms part of an $11.32 million Primary Producer Support Package, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to address the impacts of the North Queensland Monsoon Trough and ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji.
Aerial control of feral pigs is the latest in a range of measures to manage invasive species.
Initiatives include recruiting approximately 100 additional biosecurity officers, targeted regional action plans backed by $2.2 million for coordinators, and $2 million in grants to help producers address the issue.
Feral pigs cost the Australian economy an estimated $156 million annually, with $95 million attributed to production losses and direct control expenses in Queensland alone.
The Queensland Government will continue provide all the necessary support to protect primary producers and regional communities, ensuring the effective management of invasive species.