FERAL pigs are tearing through farms, waterways and wetlands, leaving behind millions of dollars in damage and devastation for producers already under enormous pressure, LNP Senator for Queensland Susan McDonald says.
Senator McDonald used Senate Estimates this week to press the Federal Government on what action is being taken to tackle the exploding feral pig population, warning Canberra cannot continue to ignore the growing crisis facing regional Australia.
Susan McDonald
Current estimates suggest there are up to 26 million feral pigs across the country, and unless urgent action is taken, the problem will only get worse. Experts say around 70 per cent of the population must be removed just to reduce numbers, with as many as 15 million pigs needing to be culled every year simply to stand still.
“Australia’s feral pig crisis is spiraling out of control. Every day governments delay meaningful action, the infestation grows and the damage compounds.”
“Across Australia, producers are watching crops destroyed overnight, fencing ripped apart, water systems contaminated and native habitats obliterated.
“These pests breed rapidly, spread disease and cause untold devastation to agriculture and the environment, yet regional Australians are being left to fight this battle largely on their own.
“The Environment Department’s blame game simply doesn’t stack up. They spend billions on the reef and impose strict regulations on farmers to reduce sediment run-off, yet when it comes to this issue they suddenly claim it’s ‘not an environmental problem’ and tell producers to take it up with the Agriculture Department.”
Senator McDonald said stronger federal involvement was urgently needed to protect Australia’s food security, biosecurity reputation and regional economies.
“If the Federal Government is serious about biosecurity, then it must get serious about feral pests,” she said.
“That means proper long-term funding, coordinated control programs and real support for the producers and communities on the frontline.
“Regional Australians are sick of Canberra talking tough on the environment while failing to back the people who actually feed this country.”
If there is not a coordinated strategy, the money is wasted and once again farmers have to pick up the bill.
It is essential an element of control be found (ie poison?) to combat this feral and potentially dangerous, destructive pest.
This is a National & State problem as swine survive & breed in government firest areas.
One Nation – place problem on your ‘to do’ list !
Yes, I totally agree. over in WA Perth Hills, I had pigs ripping up my pasture which was the result of years of rehabilitation by myself on what had been a gravel pit. I contacted the Ag Dept who told me it was my responsibility as a landowner to control them. I spent considerable money on “Pigout” which made no difference. I wrote to their pig expert who replied it was just a temporary thing due to wet years. I applied for a firearms licence but because of my location the only rifle I could hope to get was a .22 calibre which I was informed would be useless. These pigs come in from state forest park. Very frustrating, simply fobbed off. A coordinated scheme with professional shooters and trained landholders is required.
The problems associated with feral animals was never out of hand like it is now pre 1996 and John Howards anti gun platform; not only did he c restrict the number and types of guns but made it nearly impossible for farmers to allow shooters onto their properties and that only made it harder for people to access guns without properties to shoot on.
I am a licensed hunter and have been hunting ferrel pigs for 30 years but with the price of bullets fuel and associated costs I’m not interested until the government gives a bounty to cover my costs.
the government are too busy shooting heritage Brumbies and dingos in kosiosko and wombats in Victoria
If only farmers would allow law abiding respectful hunters onto their properties then this explosion in feral animal numbers could be reduced significantly.
trouble is that for every good hunter there’s mongrels who stuff it up for the good ones. Speaking through experience in working on different properties in the north.
meanwhile as the government is trying to pass even stricter firearm laws,recreational shooters are being treated like criminals. thus eliminating the population ready and willing to help in the control of feral pigs and the many other feral pests decimating our native species and destroying farmland.
Yes and I have been hunting pigs and other feral animals for 55 years we as recreational hunter are so tired of these governments doing nothing except taking away our right as responsible gun owners I’ve been a member off the SSAA since I can remember the poor farmers need action from these so called government ministers who sit behind a deck and listen to rubbish from these greens and animal welfare boys it’s time for the farmers to get hslp
When I was young I used to shoot pigs with my father and his mates. They were Vietnam vets and off duty cops. It was contract shooting on properties in QLD and NSW. Pig traps were used as well.
It seems now that it’s almost impossible to find a property that will let you on to shoot pests. Especially in SA. No pigs here to speak of but plenty of rabbits foxes and rising numbers of deer. Here the farmers want to charge YOU to get rid of their problems.
The only guys that are taken seriously by the government are the arial shooters. With semi autos back in the 70s and 80s we used to put a big dent in populations of pigs. And farmers paid us to do it.
Absolutely
I am a cattle farming operator in the Theodore area of the Dawson river we are currently using every avenue of control to stay on top of feral pigs and they keep coming we need help to control thes feral pigs
Hi Raymond, im 52 years old and enjoy the respectful hunting of feral pigs with my 22 year old son. Would love the opportunity to chat with you. Cheers Paul
Bring back Lucy jet.
Covering the carcass in daylight hours should reduce impact to birds.