27 July 2026
NSW Farmers has warned a feral pig control pilot program for the Walgett region will not achieve coordination success with threats of hefty fines for farmers.
Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, announced the Walgett pilot program, which will include mandatory landholder participation, at the NSW Farmers Annual Conference last week.
The trial will combine baiting, trapping and aerial and ground shooting programs, and official biosecurity directions that compel every affected landholder to participate.
NSW Farmers President Rebecca Reardon said local farmers are alarmed that the state government is adopting a 'big stick' approach rather than coordination with farmers.
"NSW Farmers has been pushing for greater coordination with landholders across a geographic area for the past few years," Ms Reardon said.
"However, we are horrified that the government seems more interested in using the big stick with a compliance and fines approach rather than working with farmers. "
"Farmers are already doing much of the heavy lifting when it comes to feral pig control, so they are shocked that they are now being threatened with fines, especially when it is largely the public and absentee landholders that are not getting involved."
"The challenge is coordinating everyone across the landscape to work together which requires cooperation and coordination."
"This coordination approach, which has the potential to make a real difference, will not be achieved unless the coordinators work with farmers."
Ms Reardon said NSW Farmers is seeking further detail on the pilot program, including when it will commence, what it will involve and how it will be funded.
"We will be ensuring the Walgett pilot will focus on working with farmers in controlling feral pigs now estimated to occupy up to 60 per cent of the state."
"This new approach needs to be developed in collaboration with farmers to ensure that there is coordination and that funding is well targeted."
