Gladstone councillor calls on community to fight pig problem

Wet and wild weather brings with it many problems and one unknown or forgotten by most can be very costly.

A Gladstone Councillor has warned that feral pig numbers may be about to boom in Gladstone following rain and humid weather.

A Gladstone councillor has warned that feral pig numbers are expected to explode following rain and humid weather.

The invasive species is present across the region in high numbers, with concerns raised for crops, livestock and native wildlife.

Gladstone Region Councillor and Capricorn Pest Management Group representative Michelle Wagner warned about the impact of feral pigs across the state, particularly in the wake of wet weather.

Gladstone Regional Council candidate Michelle Wagner.

“Feral pigs cause millions of dollars in damage every year, affecting the environment, agriculture, and cultural heritage,” she said.

“They destroy land, damage crops, harm native animals, and wreck infrastructure.

“They also spread invasive weeds and plants, and can transmit deadly diseases and viruses that pose risks to both animals and humans.”

Cr Wagner emphasized that feral pigs are classified as restricted invasive animals in Queensland, meaning they cannot be moved, fed, given away, sold, or released into the wild.

A Gladstone (pictured) councillor is encouraging people across the region to use the Feral Scan app to assist in controlling the feral pig population.

“Landholders are required by the Biosecurity Act of 2014 to manage feral pigs on their property, but residents and visitors can play a role too,” she said.

Cr Wagner encouraged people to use the Feral Scan app to assist in controlling the feral pig population.

The app allows users to report sightings of feral pigs, document damage caused, and record control measures taken.

“The more people we have reporting sightings, the better we can monitor, track, and analyze data to support our control efforts,” she said.

Millions of feral pigs are causing damage to farmland and national park. Image: NSW

The Feral Scan app is free to download from feralscan.org.au and enables users to:

- Report sightings or evidence of feral pigs, including observations, hoof prints, scats, or photos

- Document damage caused by feral pigs, such as harm to crops, livestock, and native vegetation

- Record control actions such as baiting, trapping, and shooting

- Report sightings of other invasive animals like rabbits, deer, wild dogs, cats, foxes, and even some fish species

Additionally, the Queensland Government provides resources to help landholders understand their obligations regarding feral pig management.

People can go to the council website or government website for more information.

Originally published as Gladstone councillor calls on community to fight pig problem