National Feral Pig Action Plan rolls out State-wide
Australia’s first National Feral Pig Action Plan sets a clear roadmap to reduce the environmental, agricultural, cultural and social impacts of feral pigs through coordinated action.
In Queensland, more than $2 million is supporting this effort through the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative, with regional coordinators driving on-ground control across priority areas — including the Burdekin Dry Tropics.
Participating NRM regions cover 66 per cent of Queensland, protecting landscapes, agriculture and cultural values while strengthening preparedness for future risks.
FeralPigScan: a free tool for the neighbourhood
FeralPigScan is a free tool built by landholders for communities to map pig activity, record damage, log control efforts, and coordinate with neighbours.
The page also includes practical guides, resources, and support to help you plan and deliver effective control.
Explore the tools and get started here.
Aerial shooting in north-west Queensland
Flooding in north-west Queensland, driven by the monsoon trough and ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, is expected to boost feral pig numbers.
In response, the Queensland Government is funding targeted aerial shooting under the $11.32 million Primary Producer Support Package to protect primary production and the environment.
Experienced shooters will remove pigs stranded on high ground or moving through boggy areas.
While aerial shooting tackles post-flood feral pigs in north-west Queensland, the focus in Townsville is on local trapping, baiting, and community-led programs to protect properties, infrastructure, and the environment. Read more here.
Snout out! Townsville tackles feral pigs
The Townsville City Council runs biannual trapping and baiting programs to reduce risks on roadways, residential areas, and agricultural land.
A key tool in these programs is HOGGONE®, a sodium nitrite-based bait proven effective when used according to best practice. This includes storing bait at 4°C, timing baiting during drier months (April–November), and using attractants like fermented cracked corn, molasses, peanut oil, or locally available fruits.
Experienced contractors coordinate the programs, supported by trained local landholders. The council also lends traps to residents free of charge, focusing efforts in peri-urban areas where most of the city’s feral pig population resides.
Hotspot areas for feral pigs include Alice River, Black River, and Saunders Beach, with pigs frequently drawn to cattle feedlots and other food sources. While some landholders actively participate in control programs, others need more support. To address this, the council runs training and demonstration events to boost engagement and improve program outcomes.
For farmers and land managers, the Property Pest Management Subsidy Scheme provides technical guidance, equipment hire, and a 50 per cent rebate on best-practice control measures. Properties between 2–200ha can claim up to $800, while larger properties over 200ha may receive up to $1600.
Beyond protecting people and property, the council’s programs support public health and the environment. Aerial culls in the Ross Dam catchment help safeguard drinking water, and local samples contribute to Japanese Encephalitis research by James Cook University and CSIRO.
For more information about the program, contact Melissa Green at Townsville City Council, melissa.green@townsville.qld.gov.au.
