AgForce has written to Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett, acknowledging the crucial opportunity to strengthen control of the feral pig population in Queensland, while feral pigs are corralling on the islands formed by recent North Queensland floods.
Feral pigs wreak havoc across the Queensland landscape, and represent a year-round biosecurity hazard for producers, with risks significantly heightened during flood events.
Beyond biosecurity, feral pigs are a direct production limiter, damaging pastures and infrastructure, spreading disease, disrupting stock management, and causing sustained harm to soils, waterways and broader landscape condition.
AgForce has respectfully urged the Queensland Government to consider activating aerial culling operations in flood-impacted areas as a matter of urgency and are willing to assist immediately in coordinating industry support for an emergency aerial response.
Biosecurity Committee Chair Ken Cunliffe says the current conditions present a rare window for action.
"This is an efficient way of getting ahead while numbers are concentrated, we have a real opportunity to reduce the impact if this advances in a timely manner, and this issue highlights the need for agility of funding and response when moments like this present itself."
The current situation highlights the need for Government support, including access to professional shooters and operational funding, as well as a coordinated approach by producers. When industry and Government move together, and producers lead locally, the opportunity for a targeted, effective approach is strengthened greatly.
