Agricultural
12 August, 2024
Feral pigs a menace across the district
Landholders in multiple locations across the Clifton district are currently dealing with high numbers of feral pigs, causing damage to livestock, crops, property and waterways.
The Queensland Government estimated in 2021 there could be up to 2.3 million feral pigs in the state.
Dumping of feral pig carcasses in or near waterways has raised alarm for farmers.
Residents have reported seeing numerous pig carcasses in both Spring Creek and Kings Creek.
The concern is that these pigs will contaminate the water supply, potentially affecting livestock down-stream.
Farmers, as well as town residents, have also been dealing with high numbers of mice over winter.
Clifton Landcare Chair Clive Strong said members have reported many pigs about the district, including near Neds Gully and Kings Creek and at Headington Hill.
“The biggest issue is trying to get people on board,” Mr Strong said.
“Some people are making an effort.”
Mr Strong said Clifton Landcare has two remote control pig traps that are available to be used.
The traps use a sim card to connect with a mobile phone and can send photos to the user.
The two traps are currently in use by members.
Mr Strong said fencing is also an effective method to curb feral pigs.
“I have put up electric fencing myself but it is down to the individual,” he said.
“Clifton Landcare can give advice on what to buy, what has been done and what works.”
In an effort to get more landholders to take more interest in removing feral pigs, Mr Strong thinks it would be a good idea to bring back pig boxes, where pigs could be dropped off in exchange for money.
He said there used to be pig boxes in towns such as Warwick, Toowoomba and Inglewood.
“If they see a $100 bill running across the paddock, they might do something about it.”
Anyone wishing to enquire about joining Clifton Landcare and using one of its pig traps can call Clive Strong on 0429 934 540.
CONTROL
Various methods can be used to control feral pigs, including trapping, poisoning shooting and fencing.
The most effective strategy of removing pigs is to combine these four methods with appropriate land management practices.
The recommended poison is sodium fluoroacetate (1080).
Toowoomba Regional Council assists landholders with obtaining 1080.
For more information visit tr.qld.gov.au/environment-water-waste/trees-plants-wildlife/pests-weeds/10718-wild-dog-fox-baiting-program or call 131 872.
Toowoomba Regional Council will be distributing bait next Monday, 5 August at the following locations:
•Pilton Hall, Pilton - 9am to 10.15am
•Millbrook, Ellangowan - 12pm to 12.30pm
•Sobbe Road, College Green/Sandy Camp - 1.30pm to 2pm
Bait will also be distributed on Thursday, 8 August at:
•Steele Rudd Park, Cnr Steele Rudd Road & Reg Lipps Road, East Greenmount - 7.30am to 9.30am
•Felton Feedlot, Felton - 10.30am to 11.30am
Business Queensland advises the most effective pig-proof fences use fabricated sheep mesh held close to ground by plain or barbed wire and supported on steel posts.
Southern Downs Action Plan Meeting
A meeting is set to take place tomorrow, Thursday, 1 August at the Deuchar-Massie Hall to discuss developing a Southern Downs Regional Feral Pig Action Plan.
Topics to be discussed include:
•diseases and biosecurity risks
•helicopter pilot, marksman and costs
•animal control technologies
•Waratah fencing and trapping
•Southern Downs Regional Council support
•National Feral Pig Action Plan - area co-ordinators, data to inform and monitor outcomes over time, cost-effective and reliable technologies.
Invited guests include SDRC Councillor Carla Pidgeon and veterinarian Dave Brown and the plan has preliminary support from Southern Downs MP James Lister and Maranoa MP David Littleproud.
The meeting at Deuchar Massie Hall, 12 Massie Bony Mountain Road, Massie, begins at 5pm on Thursday, 1 August.
For more information, contact Bill Bowen on 0414 723 254.
Clifton Landcare will be holding its next annual general meeting on Monday, 21 October.
