Landholders across the New England are being urged to take advantage of $850,000 worth of free grain and bait being offered by the NSW Government as part of a statewide effort to control feral pig populations.
The initiative, led by Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty, is part of the Government’s broader Feral Pig and Pest Program, funded under the state’s $1 billion biosecurity budget. It marks the third consecutive year that free bait and grain have been made available to farmers through Local Land Services.
Ms Moriarty said the support was aimed at backing farmers and regional communities with practical tools to manage the problem.
“Feral pigs are wreaking havoc on our landscapes, threatening biodiversity, damaging crops and undermining biosecurity,” Ms Moriarty said.
“With free grain and bait being offered across the state, we’re backing our farmers and regional communities with real, practical support.
“Increasing access to baiting and trapping resources gives landholders the tools they need, meaning greater impact on the ground and fewer pigs out there causing damage.”
The program has already achieved significant results. Since July 2023, more than 223,000 feral pigs have been removed across the state, with more than 475,000 kilograms of bait distributed to landholders.
Feral pigs are considered one of Australia’s most destructive pest animals, causing major economic and environmental harm by preying on livestock, damaging crops and pastures, and degrading natural habitats. The cost of baiting and trapping programs can be considerable, and the Government hopes the free supplies will encourage coordinated community action.
Local Land Services Feral Pig Coordinator Bec Gray said a combination of control methods was essential for success.
“When it comes to feral pigs and pest animal control, unfortunately there’s no silver bullet, which is why we need to support the use of multiple control methods, such as baiting, trapping and shooting,” Ms Gray said.
“Feral pigs don’t respect fences or boundaries. They move across landscapes and cause widespread damage. That’s why we’re encouraging landholders to team up, plan strategically and use the free bait and grain available across all 11 Local Land Services regions.
“This isn’t just about individual properties, it’s about community-wide action. The more unified the response, the greater the success.”
Landholders can contact their nearest Local Land Services office on 1300 795 299 to find out more about how to access the free grain and bait.
Got something you want to say about this story? Have your say on our opinion and comment hub, New England Times Engage