Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Feral pigs can survive and thrive in many environments, culling them protects natural flora and fauna, alongside preventing mass amounts of environmental and agricultural damage. Photos sourced: Terrain NRM
Feral pigs are causing widespread damage across Australia’s agricultural land, waterways and natural environments, with calls for stronger action as regional communities continue to battle the growing pest population.
Federal concerns have been raised about the escalating feral pig problem, with estimates suggesting millions of pigs are spread across the country and significant control efforts required each year just to prevent numbers from increasing.
The invasive animals are blamed for damaging crops, destroying fencing, contaminating waterways, spreading disease and impacting native ecosystems.
Senator Susan McDonald said urgent action was needed to support farmers and regional communities dealing with the impacts of feral pigs.
“Across Australia, producers are watching crops destroyed overnight, fencing ripped apart, water systems contaminated and native habitats obliterated,” Senator McDonald said.
“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.”
Senator McDonald said a coordinated approach was needed, including long-term funding, targeted control programs and support for producers managing the impacts.
The issue is being addressed locally, with Hinchinbrook Shire Council preparing to undertake an aerial shooting program aimed at reducing feral pig populations across the region.
The control operation will cover participating land parcels and properties from Forrest Beach in the north to Crystal Creek in the south, including areas around Capelleris and Kirkwoods Roads.
The aerial shoot will take place, subject to suitable weather conditions, on:
Monday 22nd June 2026, 5:00am to 7:00pm
Tuesday 23rd June 2026, 5:00am to 7:00pm
To support community safety, access to several areas will be restricted during the operation, including:
Access to huts located on Bronte Road will be permitted outside the planned control hours.
The program is funded through support from the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation; the Department of Natural Resources, Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development; Herbert Cane Productivity Services Limited; and HQ Plantation, in association with Hinchinbrook Shire Council.
Council is encouraging residents to report feral pig sightings and thanked the community for their cooperation during the control program.
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