Northern Slopes Landcare Association Incorporated

A Coordinated Approach to Feral Pig and Weed Control

Gravesend had a feral pig and weeds information night to help understand the importance of having a community-based approach when it comes to tackling the problem.

Capacity building - LEP23 - 015_LLCNS

The issue

How to control the spread of feral pigs and weeds in the Gravesend community,

The Need for Neighbour Cooperation – Successful control programs often require neighbouring landholders, community groups, and government agencies to work together, which can be difficult to coordinate.

Biosecurity Risks – Feral pigs carry and spread diseases and parasites that pose risks to livestock, wildlife, and agricultural industries

Rapid Reinfestation – Feral pigs and weeds quickly return from neighbouring properties if control efforts are not coordinated across the landscape.

Environmental Damage – Feral pigs damage native vegetation, wetlands, waterways, and soils through rooting, wallowing, and grazing activities.

Weed Spread – Weeds compete with native plants and pasture species, reducing biodiversity and productivity. Feral pigs can also spread weed seeds across properties

 

The solution

With the help of guest speakers, from the Local Lands Service and Gwydir Shire Council we discussed the importance of working together with our neighbours, to implements a targeted feral pig control using a combination of baiting, trapping and shooting where appropriate. 

By identifying priority weeds problems, controlling infestations at the optimal time, and monitoring treated areas. It was also suggested to reach out and seek technical advice and support from biosecurity officers, Landcare groups, local councils, and government programs.

    Regular monitoring of properties to detect new pig activity or weed outbreaks early and sharing that information with neighbours it allows faster response times. Also sharing knowledge and resources with neighbouring landholders to improve efficiency and achieve better landscape-scale outcomes.

    The impact

    The feral pigs and weeds night drew landholders from the area and gave them the chance to collaborate a plan of attack with their neighbours to achieve the common goal, to control the spread and damage that the feral pigs and weed are causing.

    Author: Jo Dufty

    Key facts

    • Pigs spread weeds, diseases, and parasites.
    • Coordinated control is most effective.
    • Early action reduces costs.
    • Monitoring prevents reinfestation.
    • Healthy landscapes support productive farms.
    • Ongoing management is essential.