Local producers, contractors, and ag-industry representatives are pleading for State Government assistance following an explosion in the feral pig population.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the time to act is now before numbers get out of control.
“We’re hearing of cases where pigs have cost producers upward of $80,000 in damages to trees, irrigation, and crops,” he said.
“Wild pigs are among Queensland’s most widespread and damaging pest animals.
“They spread weeds, degrade soil and water, prey on native species, damage crops and livestock, and carry diseases.
“Where there have previously been groups of 10 or 15, farmers are reporting groups of 40 plus.
“We’re calling on the Minister for Agriculture to step in now to help our farmers, contractors, and the entire agriculture industry before it’s too late.
“I asked a Question on Notice to Minister Furner in the last sitting week and his response was more than disappointing. *
“That’s why I have joined forces with local producers, Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers, feral pig management operators and industry experts to call on the State Government to step in while we still can.”
Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers CEO Bree Grima said the problem is getting worse.
“Feral pigs and other pests cause huge production losses for our produces across the entire sector, from damaged irrigation systems to productive farmland,” she said.
“Growers are spending tens of thousands of dollars in an attempt to manage this problem, only to see it move onto the next farm.
“We therefore need a coordinated approach and are calling on State Government to assist to ensure our produces, who invest millions of dollars into the local economy, are not losing out.”
Darren Pratt from Bundaberg Feral Pest Control said his business formed out of sheer necessity.
“Over the past nine months we have been helping local farmers by building feral pig traps, placing them on their farms, supplying the grain as bait, and servicing the traps for them,” he said.
“We were doing this as a free service to help them with this fast-growing destructive problem.
“Unfortunately, after spending about $30,000 of our own money and with no government funding available we have to stop supplying this free service.
“Due to the raising costs, we will now have to charge a fee for this service.
“We would love to see government funding become available to help farmers curb this massive problem that is just getting bigger.
* QON: https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableoffice/questionsanswers/2022/619-2022.pdf
ENDS.
02/08/2022