Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell says the State Government’s upcoming review into feral pig management won’t address the immediate need for stronger on‑ground control. It follows last week’s announcement of a technical review, with initial findings due in June and further advice in October.
Layzell says pig numbers have surged to “out of control” levels, despite Government claims that 240,000 feral pigs have been controlled in the past three years. He argues the figures do not reflect what is happening in paddocks across the region.
“The reality is we have huge pig numbers,” Layzell said.
“We can talk about reviews all we want, but if the traps and shooters aren’t out there, then those numbers aren’t coming down.”
Layzell say too much of the Government’s funding has been absorbed within departments, rather than being directed to Local Land Services, contract shooters and professional trappers.
Recent aerial shooting operations have removed just over 2,000 pigs around Dubbo, but producers believe millions remain across the state. Dave Layzell says it’s important farmers keep track of the actual numbers.
“I just implore farmers to record pig numbers and report them,” he said.
“When that data comes back to Local Land Services, we can build a proper picture.
“Right now, we’ve got farmers doing some work, national parks doing less, and state‑owned land doing even less again.”
The feral pig review is part of a broader $1 billion biosecurity commitment, with the State Government allocating $40 million to pig management.
