New South Wales Launches Massive Pest Control Program to Target Feral Pigs

The New South Wales government has launched a new 600,000-hectare feral pig control program in north-west NSW to tackle surging pest numbers. Feral pigs cost Australian agriculture an estimated $200 million every year. Coordinated baiting, trapping, and shooting operations have already started near Walgett this month.

Program Details

The program brings together 120 landholders alongside state government land managers across five priority management areas in the Walgett Shire. NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the initiative relies on local involvement, with operations utilizing baiting, trapping, and aerial culling. North West Local Land Services invasive species team leader Peter Dawson noted that tens of thousands of pigs are estimated to live in the Walgett Shire alone. The state government has committed $60 million to pest animal management over three years, which includes $16.3 million for the current financial year to support efforts like the Walgett program. Minister Moriarty stated that success will be measured through environmental, agricultural, and productivity outcomes rather than just the number of animals removed.

Enforcement And Penalties

While the program focuses mainly on cooperation, compliance powers remain available under the Biosecurity Act 2015 for landholders who refuse to meet their obligations. Penalties can reach up to $220,000 for individuals and $440,000 for corporations. Local farmer Enid Coupe welcomed the coordinated approach, stating that recent favorable seasons caused a pig population boom that individual landholders could no longer manage alone, and criticized farmers who fail to do their share.

Context

Feral pigs are an invasive species in Australia that damage native ecosystems, prey on livestock like lambs, and spread diseases that threaten the agricultural sector. Large-scale pest control efforts typically require cooperation across both private farms and public lands to prevent animals from simply moving between properties.