It’s been a busy few weeks around the electorate and in Parliament. During last sitting week I raised serious concerns about the Government’s approach to feral pig management. Farmers across the region are already spending significant time and money trying to control feral pigs, which destroy crops, damage fences, attack livestock, contaminate water sources and devastate the environment.
Yet instead of providing greater assistance, the Government is threatening significant biosecurity penalties for landholders who cannot eliminate feral pig populations from their properties. I argued that farmers should be supported, not punished. I also raised concerns about unnecessary barriers being placed in front of farmers and professional pest controllers seeking access to practical pest-management tools already provided for under the law, including Category D firearm licences for coordinated pest control programs and firearm suppressors for occupational health and safety purposes. Importantly, I highlighted reports of significant feral pig activity within the Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area near Federal Falls, questioning why private landholders face penalties while feral pig populations continue to thrive on government managed land.
I called for practical and innovative solutions, including greater involvement of recreational hunters; a feral animal bounty program; competitive tendering for privately operated aerial culling services; and stronger partnerships between government, landholders and pest controllers. I will continue advocating for common-sense measures that help landholders protect their livelihoods, the environment and our agricultural industries.
